Friday, March 27, 2009

Advice From the Hockey Rink

"You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
Wayne Gretzky

I’ll admit it; I'm a hockey fan. My sons are to blame - they played hockey, and they got me hooked. So it’s no surprise that this quote by Mr. Gretzky, aka hockey’s The Great One, caught my eye on a recent trip to the bank.

Our bank posts inspirational quotes on a message board in the lobby. It’s a refreshing, thought-provoking addition to every visit. As a writer, these mind joggers always provide food for thought and topics to write about. One seldom sees quotes from hockey players, so it was a nice surprise. I chuckled as I left the bank and continued to mull over these words of hockey wisdom.

Mr. Gretzky’s words make sense; if you don’t shoot, you won’t score. If you don’t score, you won’t have a shot at winning the game. So, how does this apply to life? If we don’t try, we can’t fail. But, if we don’t try, we don’t learn. And if we don’t try, we can’t succeed.

I thought, how many shots am I missing because I fail to make an effort? How many writing opportunities do I pass by because I think I don’t have enough or the right experience? What part of my calling hasn’t been fulfilled yet because I am afraid to step out, or invest necessary time to grow? Have I passed by someone in need because I was preoccupied with myself?

Life has its challenges and surprises, its hills and valleys, and many days where we probably don’t want to take any shots at anything. If we believe our steps to be ordered by the Lord, though, then He can lead us and show us which shots to take. I don’t want to miss the benefits of the journey by not taking shots. Do you?

Monday, March 9, 2009

Where does the time go?

Here it is, Monday, March 9, 2009 already. Didn't 2009 just start? Where does the time go?

My grandfather used to say, "Time marches on." I heard him say it but never thought much about it until my kids got older, and then I saw time marching right on past me! One day the kids were little, and the next thing I knew, they were grown. One is married with a 15 month old son, and another has moved out too, and only one is left at home. Grandad was right, time DOES march on, but I don't want to be standing around letting it sift through my fingers.

Time doesn't stop for anyone, and it makes me think, what am I doing with my time? Am I making the best use of each God given day? Am I relating to friends and family in light of the fact that our days are numbered?

My goal for this month is to reassess how my hours are spent, to refocus, and to work to use my time better. My prayer is to do what I am called to do with the time that I have. How about you?