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Like a good relief pitcher, being spiritually prepared can get you to a winning outcome.
I just got back from our 15-day trip to Michigan to visit family - and there is something special about sleeping in your own bed (no offense to your hospitality, Mom).
One of the highlights of the trip was getting to go see my childhood team, the Detroit Tigers, battle against my recent surrogate team, the Boston Red Sox. It is impossible to live in Boston for any period of time (5 years) and not get caught up in Red Sox hysteria - but I am always true to my hometown roots - so Go Tigers!
It was the first time I have seen a game in Detroit's new Comerica Park - and it is a beautiful stadium. Plus, we got to see the Tigers win in extra innings - much to the dismay of my pregnant wife. I guess there is something about being 7 months pregnant that doesn't make sitting in a ballpark seat for 4 hours appealing ;)
And this has what to do with anything???
Watching the game unfold gave me new found respect for the relief pitcher. These guys have a thankless job. They sit on the bench for 3 hours spitting sunflower seeds and messing around - knowing that at anytime they could be called to come into the game in the tightest of spots - and not blow it!
Once they're in the game - there is little room for error. If their team has the lead - keep it that way! If their team is losing - then stop the bleeding! There is no wiggle room, no time to "ease your time into the game," - it's instant feet to the fire!
So, they sit the whole game knowing the phone could ring at any time - and their number might be called...
Are they ready?
The better question is - Are you ready?
We all play this game in the real world. You go through your day-to-day activities knowing that at anytime you might get called on - so are you ready?
Maybe a family member needs you. Maybe it's a last minute project at work. Or maybe it's that unexpected "life-changing" (good or bad) event that falls in your lap.
Are you prepared to step up to the plate and deliver?
I have found for myself that answering the call is a lot easier when you are making time for your "oxygen" activities (see last blog). When you are consciously taking time each day to focus on the things that mean the most to you - that bring you the most fuifillment and energy - then you are better prepared to handle the curveballs when they come.
Remember, these oxygen activities relate to your personal purpose or essence of living. So when you are making time for them, they in turn nourish you with the inspiration to handle the big stuff!
When you don't make time for them, you give up control of your happiness and become a victim to what other people and the world throw at you. You will say that "there is nothing you can do," but that is just the cop-out - because being the victim is so much easier to do.
"Oh poor me!"
Be in action! Be conscious of what makes you feel alive - and move in that direction. One of my favorite authors, Mary Baker Eddy , says it like this, "We look before our feet, and if we are wise, we look beyond a single step in the line of spiritual advancement."
You can call it spiritual advancement, personal growth, living on purpose, whatever - but the result is that you are focusing your thoughts and choices on actions that prepare you for whatever life throws your way.
Are you ready?
BRING IT ON!! Read more from this blogger at Travis Inc.
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