Thursday, June 3, 2010

Fighting to Win

I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.  Helen Keller

I want to make a difference...I want to do something to help others.  For so long....I believed there was no point to my life....no purpose. I lived on the defensive...always trying to dodge awful things that seemed to keep coming. 

A friend of mine who played football told me...the worse thing to do if you want to win the game is play on the defensive.....you have to get your mindset away from worrying about the other guy...and what they're thinking....Be strategic.....be on the offensive. 

I think I'm beginning to get what he meant.  In chess.....I don't worry if my opponent takes my best piece....I know I can get it back if I focus on what I need to do to win. And I do win....alot of the time.  When I try to figure out the other guy's next move....and protect my pieces...I'm beat...done...whipped. But when I don't worry about their next plan or move....and simply stay with what I want.....kaabang! Winner! 

It works in chess...how do I apply it to life?

Living on the streets...I was always on the defensive...trying to stay one step ahead of the game so not to get hurt.....I got hurt everytime. Using my friend's strategy....stay focused....and even if sideswiped....concentrate on the goal....don't loose sight of it....don't worry what's happening on the sidelines. Maybe that's what faith it all about.....staying focused....believing.....holding on until you win. 

21 comments:

T said...

This is a great way to view life.

I cannot count how many times I have stopped doing something because I worried about others. I try not to think too much about what I could have achieved had I just focussed on my plans, my goals.

Great blog =) Count me in the followers

Anonymous said...

I think you're friend is right. You'll rarely get your needs met if you wait for others to meet them for you. You have to "be on the offensive" and go out and get what you want.

Keep holding on! I think you'll get what you need/want.

Wishing you well,
NOS

Vickie said...

I love this post because I was there for such a long time. I so wanted to do something for the Lord with the gifts and talents He Has given me, but over and over again I worried about others. I've still got ways to go, but the more time I spend in the word and the closer I got to Him, the less I worried about who or what.

With Him it is possible. Love your friend's point of view. It is so true.


blessings,
vickie

Denise said...

Amen, focus on Him, not the world.

Tra La La Boom De Ay said...

what beautiful realizations! i can take this and use it as well. You are BEAUTIFUL!

Paula said...

You are so sweet. I would love to have some of your knishes along with me! Yes, staying defensive is hurting oneself, each and every time. There are still moments where I do so. Yet I am improving...Hugs to you

Just Be Real said...

Thank you Sarah for inspiring me once again. Blessings to you dear heart.

Terri Tiffany said...

You know-- I tend to be on the defensive alot too and lately, I think I am changing. It feels good. But isn't it wonderful how God has allowed you to help so many people in the profession you've become:))

Surprised By Joy! said...

Sarah,
Such a great, thought provoking post. I think, for me, is to realize like Jesus, I will get hurt. I like your analogy to live on the offensive. When the football player is fighting to win. He is not thinking about getting hurt. Jesus was deeply hurt by the ones he loved. He loved anyway. It is just part of it. I am praying that God will give me the strength to reach out not based on others responses. When I am persecuted because others misunderstand, reject,or judge me that I will run to Papa God with my wound and He will heal me and send me back out into the game. Me and God are still working on this one. :)

Blessings,
Tammy

Lynda Lee Schab said...

Great post! I care way too much about what others think. Time to start living offensively. Thanks for the encouragement.

Wondering Soul said...

Sarah.

Not that I'm much of a Christian, because I'm hopeless andrubbish and I hate the way the whole thing makes me feel like nothing in my life is any good... but reading your words, 1. I'm struck by the immense wisdom you have... and it's not just ordinary wisdom... it's hard earned... perhaps even (and a part of me winces to say it... 'blessed') and 2. I want you to know that you DO help others, ALL the time... You encourage and you empathise, something that is done not-a-lot... It has helped me that you hear.
It's possible that you help others more than you could know.

xx

RCUBEs said...

I like that reminder..."concentrate on the goal..." It's like just fixing your eyes on Jesus. No looking around but straight ahead. And that's how we finish this race...by believing...with faith. Blessings to you sister and have a great weekend.

Mary said...

Honey you have already won!!
You only have to please one!
And he already is pleased with you, and loves you completely.

I saw your comment - I love that you and your girls are being creative. Keep doing it, I really believe God uses it!!

Hugs!!

INSIDE THE SHRINK said...

Our eyes are on the goal, but our feet are in the here and now. That makes for quite a trip. With the Lord walking along side, the trip begins to make sense. I so appreciate your candor and insight. Really a great blog. God bless.

Anonymous said...

Don't forget--you never know all the people you impact and make a difference on that you never even know about! You will and have made a difference!

Marj aka Thriver said...

What a wonderful message, Sarah. And you know what? You're already a winner!

Hey, that collage website you were looking for is Polyvore dot com. Have fun!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

And we do make a difference - when we share our thoughts, our dreams, our struggles. We make a difference when we share our faith, share a smile, share a hug. We make a difference when we teach others the things we've learned.

Gaia said...

Hi Sarah, thank you for being my wonderful blogger friend, however I have decided to close my blog due to time constraint to write or follow my friends on their journey. But will definitely come by when I can. Blessings dear one.

Lily said...

So much easier said and done when you are talking about games! Life is so much harder, but your friend is right. Playing for you and not for someone else is what keeps you alive.

Anonymous said...

I like your blog,... nice post keep blogging...

Karen said...

Awesome post on keeping the faith...by someone that does makes such a difference....