Lesson #3 - Hard Work Pays Off

Not many people like to practice.  It is always good to be on the ice but it is sometimes difficult to see the value of practice and repetition. What is your daily practice? Maybe you don’t have a personal daily routine and practice. You need one!

Every day needs to be handled wisely because life is not a dress rehearsal. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. Best days are often those that are lived with daily disciplines that help nourish and develop us as people. Call it ‘off–ice training’. Each day we need those very important moments to find refreshment for the body, soul and spirit. 

Every hockey player cherishes those moments on the bench to replenish himself. We need those moments on the bench each day. These moments can include a personal time of Scripture reading, a time to pray and commit our lives to God’s leading and guidance, and a time to pray for others and receive His heavenly perspective on things. Winning the battle against self and selfishness can be one of the toughest. These are battles that we have to win for ourselves.

During practice I noticed that good coaches often get their players to do what their players didn’t want to do first. They would take the path of greatest resistance. God will often do the same with us.

If there are things you need to change in your life, God can help. Take a few minutes to find a quiet place. Your sofa, a bench, a rock by the ocean may work quite well. Surrender your thoughts and life to the Lord. The Surrendered life is the most secure life. Consider your ways, and as you do, trust Jesus as your coach and be sure to follow His instruction on and off the ice.

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