GRACE | THIS IS A JOURNEY

Grace. 

This is a struggle for me. I've been called to a life of excellence. I pay the costs in sacrifice, discipline, and pain. The requirements of this purpose are fulfilled. No excuses. I am not called to anything I can not accomplish. 

This desire doesn’t allow me to look to the left or the right. I focus on the task at hand, give everything I have to it, and observe the results. If I accomplish, “Good, I’m headed in the right direction.” If I don’t, “Where must I grow?”  

Self-criticism has been my accountability. Football taught me to evaluate myself to find flaws. Any fault means being a liability to the team. Weakness. Deficiencies can’t remain. I work to improve the defects, then evaluate, and repeat the cycle. The truth is in the tape. 

Imperfections magnified. Perfections reduced. Pressure drives perception.

Sports is about preparation and execution. Faith is developed from preparation. Confidence is developed from execution. If I miss my task, I lose my assignment. I receive what I earn. 

Grace isn’t allowed in this worldview. Walking this tightrope is exhausting. 

The gift allows me to see the best in people. And the worst. How can I let someone settle for less with greater within? Watching this haunts me. I apply the pressure I’ve grown accustomed to. It is rejected. I get angry, “They just don’t want to change.”  

All have fallen short of the Glory. At what point does Grace end and grit begin? Grace is the higher way.

I’ve realized what is given is safer than what is earned. Flaws don’t disqualify me, they determine destiny. My imperfections connect to those just like me. Revealing weakness shows strength. My only responsibility is faithfulness. 

This saves me from the exhausting tightrope transferring me to a place where the burden is easy and the yoke is light. It is safe to receive what I did not earn. 

Grace. If I can receive it, I can give it. This is a journey.