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?