Competition

"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do"

John Wooden

I was never a competitive kid growing up. I played soccer for 10 years, and was only able to score 1 goal! Not that I was on defensive most of the time either. Actually my favorite part about the soccer games was the post game snack. I also tried baseball, basketball, and received my black belt in Taekwondo. While the latter was a great accomplishment, the only trophies I recieved was "competitor trophies" a nice way of saying that I participated in the tournament, but didn't win anything!

I dont know when it hit me, but sometime around college I became competitive. A couple of my favorite sports is Table Tennis, and Racquetball. Table Tennis takes a great deal of hand-eye coordination, quickness, and skill. My trainer/good friend, taught me the art of how to spin the ball, in which I used to my advantage. In my four years at college, I became one of the greatest at the Baptist Student Center. Sure, there were guys who were better than me, but I started, at least, making a name for myself.

There is nothing like Racquetball either. Not only does it have "Willy Wonka" style doors, and echoing sounds, but it's the perfect stress reliever, as you can just hit that ball as hard as you can in the enclosed room. I started playing racquetball in middle school, but actually learned how to play for real later in high school. It doesn't take much equipment, it's very easy to learn, and it's very addicting!

The larger point I wanted to make on this blog was that having a competitive spirit can be a great thing. Early on in life, my main thought was I just don't really care. Why does playing this game matter? And it is just recreational. But what if these games are one giant metaphor for overcoming obstacles, and battling your inner-demons? It's about developing effort, and a will, that if even if you loose you can say that you gave it your best and move on. It's about gaining confidence, and even gaining a passion.

Now with all that in mind, I think there are alot of people who take it too far. When sports and competition takes priority over God, then it's an unhealthy competitive spirit. When you tear others down, become very angry and out of control, then it's an unhealthy competitive spirit. When you become a sore loser, or a sore winner, then you're missing the whole point about competition. It's all about good sportsmanship, encouraging others to do their best, and doing your best.