What a disappointment. Losing to the Australians is EINA! And then we go and to it twice – both in rugby and cricket. I was considering switching to become a soccer fan, but then realise that not only can’t they win, they can’t even do basic maths! No wonder we then turn and pack out Ellis Park for a local game. A good game for the Lions – outplaying the Springboks. Mmmmmm….
Made me think of dealing with disappointments. I had some flashbacks in the past few weeks of the Alan Donald one-run gemors way back. I literally couldn’t sleep that night, as if I was the one who missed the run and lost a drawn match. I had to ask the question to myself: How do I deal with disappointments? I mean, you just can’t win them all (it would help, though, to at least win a few, wouldn’t it?). But I wondered how I respond to disappointments such as losing a game, losing an argument, discovering someone was disloyal to me, hearing from the doctor there’s cancer … or whatever other disappointment I have to deal with.
I am trying (not always successfully!) to follow this advice:
- Don’t lose perspective. What difference did this “thing” make? Does losing a quarter-final change my eternal destiny or my relationship with God? There’s more to life than soccer, cricket or some other entertainment.
- Hold on to God. He will never leave us or forsake us – even when it “feels” like He did. Believe in Him; put your trust in Him.
- Check your values and priorities. How important have other things become to me. Am I spending my life and energy on the things in life that really count, such as my relationship with God, time with my family, true joy in life?
- Use the opportunity to grow stronger. Don’t let this thing get you down. Of course you must deal with it and of course you are disappointed. But can I become stronger, more mature and more focused after getting over my emotions?
Will all of this force me into not watching the games? Probably not. Will I be disappointed next time we lose. I guess I will. But maybe I’ve learned to grow in my relationship with God and focus on what really counts in life.
And please Lord, I know it doesn’t make any difference to your marvellous grace and salvation, but let’s just win something for a change!
Rosebank Union Church members use sport to make a difference in the lives of the poor.
Did you know that Ian Anderson has raised over R100,000 for Rays of Hope by “grabbing sponsors” whenever he participates in a cycling race.
Do you know that Eugene O’Brien along with others mainly from Rosebank Union Church will be embarking on the “Tour of Hope” cycling weekend with the objective of raising R100,000 for two of the newer Rays of Hope initiatives. The Child Headed Households (CHH) project aims to assist orphaned and vulnerable children in 10 specific areas. Matla-a-Bana is a project doing ground breaking work in reducing the secondary effects of rape and abuse in children.
