In the heat of a game, everybody wants to win. The fans want their competitor or team to win. Sometimes, parents yell at coaches. Sometimes, coaches yell at each other. But there are defining moments for every game, and for every person within those games. Whether they’re moments of anger, strife and pride—or moments of grace, harmony and humility—is up to us. We’ll either displace the fruit of the spirit, or the fruit of sin. Remember, God made us competitive. He made us creative. He made us playful. Sports bring all of these things forward and give us a chance to offer it all to Him. So grow stronger—and kinder. Grow faster—and more generous.
So athletes, whether you’re playing in the backyard, in your hometown, or in front of the world at the Olympics, chase an athletic experience full of rich, loving, faith-filled relationships, selfless play and a spirit of gratitude. Chase the right kind of fruit, and you’ll achieve the right kind of excellence. To me, that’s a little slice of heaven.
