Eye on the Prize

In baseball, you are instructed to keep your eye on the ball all the way from the pitcher's hand to the bat. The best hitters don't just swing or close their eyes at the moment of impact. And if you are in the outfield, use two hands and watch that ball all the way to your mitt.

What happens if you take your eye off the ball? Well, in some cases, you can still be successful. In fact, the ESPN Highlighs and YouTube videos out there will make you think that the fundamentals are irrelevant. Every little league coach hates watching the pros because they always catch one handed and super casual - like this is easy.

And then there is the guy that misses it. He takes an easy play and blows it. That's the one that hurts. That's the one you want to show your little league team. Bring out the blooper reel and popcorn - here is what not to do in critical games.

In sports, messing up can be funny to the spectator (unless it is your team), but in life it isn't really that way.

Here's one, don't get into a relationship with someone at work. People warn against things like this because if things go south in the relationship, the whole office feels it and often has to take sides.

How about driving? Dropping a french fry on the seat can distract you just long enough for you to miss something on the road. Having your passengers distract you can be worse. But the distracted driving laws (cell phones) are there for a reason.

What about your friend choices? I feel it is important for you to be true to who you are. There is a place for you. But I don't think that you should change who you are in order to be liked by a particular group. This is a slippery slope that will trash your integrity because you are not being true to yourself.

When we are true to ourselves, our character, our values, then we are going to be attractive to others. Why? Because people can see when others are being real and when they are being fake.

In sports, a good coach or scout can tell when someone gets lucky and does something unusual, or if they are practiced and focused and could repeat that over and over again.

When it comes to loving others, it should be natural and not forced. And when it comes to keeping yourself or others safe, you should be able to focus and be intentional.

Be on your guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be strong. Be courageous.

If people try to entice you to be who you are not, turn your back on them.

Psalm 119:72-72