"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 while at the bank.
Our bank posts inspirational quotes on a message board in the lobby. As a writer, these mind joggers provide food for thought. One seldom sees quotes from hockey players, too, 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, I pondered - 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 wondered, 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 experience? What part of my calling hasn’t been fulfilled yet because I am afraid to step out, or invest the necessary time to grow?
Life has its challenges and surprises, hills and valleys, and days where we don’t want to take shots at anything. If we believe our steps to be ordered by the Lord, though, then He can lead and show us which shots to take. I don’t want to miss the benefits of the journey by not taking shots. Do you?
What do you think of Mr. Gretzky's advice?
Happy weekend,
Karen
Photo credit: Stock Exchange
