"Easy Out"

Growing up I was never athletic, nor did I have any athletic talent outside of jump ropes and hoolahoops. I dreaded recess on the days we would play team sports, like kickball. I knew that I would be picked last to be on a team. When it was my turn to be "up," the opposing team would always say "Easy Out! Everybody move in closer!" The truth was even though I would try very hard and would believe that "this time I could do it," I would only kick the ball a mere few feet and would be tagged out immediately. It was disheartening.

Fast forward to adult life. The company I work for decided that it would be good for our health to join a sports team made up of coworkers. The teams would play each other for fun. My coworkers decided to form a kickball team and asked if I wanted to be on the team. I know what you're thinking..."Hey, at least you weren't picked last." True, but I knew my athletic skills had not gotten better with age, so I declined. I could cheer them on, but I wouldn't play.

You see, I had learned some valuable lessons growing up.  Each person needs to find their own "team" to play on. They need to find where their talents are and "play" in that arena. I knew I could not play kickball well and knew I wouldn't enjoy it if I tried. (I did enjoy watching them play, though!)

I learned, growing up, that I really liked school and learning, liked reading, liked playing the guitar, and liked singing. While in school, I joined the clubs I was interested in and I joined the chorus. As an adult, I have sought out similar interests. I was involved in Music Ministry for 35 years. I have also continued to learn by taking different classes along the way.

One of the most important lessons I learned, growing up, is that I am not defined by "what I can't do," I am defined by "what I can and what I want to do."

What about you? Are you stuck back in your own "Easy Out" situation, focusing on what you can't do? Choose a new team to play on and find the things you can do and like to do. The next time you're "up," you'll kick a home run!