Coming into the game against Hiliard Davidson I challenged the boys to look at every game as a test of enduance. Not in the mindframe of physical endurance (although we need this!) but in a spiritual way. Looking at James 1:2-6, I told the team to use every chance we get whether that be in games, practices, team meals, school or other situations to be tested in our faith. For when we are tested we develop perseverence and when we develop perseverence we are ready for anything God gives us. As we played Davidson that night it was quite apparent that God wanted us to learn a valuable lesson in desire. Hilliard Davidson had more desire than we did. At halftime we talked about having desire to play hard through an entire game, not just for a couple minutes. I think the boys understood what I was getting at and proceeded to have a much better second half. As we steped off the field that night I told the boys that although we played better and with mroe desire, we needed to have better preparation during the week. Our endurance may have sustained us for a half but we needed to sacrifice more if we want to show everyone who we really are.
I was proud of the way we went into the game agaisnt Columbus Academy! The team was focused on using the time God gave us to worship him and to "walk worthy" of being called his children. The work ethic and team chemistry in that game was a great witness to what we are learning this year. Not only was this a great win for us in terms of regional and divisional competition but this was a great boost to our morale and confidence as a team. I have reatedly told the boys to trut themsleves and play with confidence. This game really reflected this message. I am excited to begin the long stretch into the tournament now. This will give us some games to bring up some new boys, rest some players and refine some of the fringe strategies we need to address. Let us continue with preseverence in walking worthy. Be praying for lessons and encourage the boys to endure the trials we face. Let us praise Him in times of loss and victory. Let us never cease straining for the prize!
