“The
Decision We Control Most”
One Bad Hit
Has this ever
happened to you?
One afternoon a
father took four kids to play miniature golf. One child started off great. At
the end of 9 holes, Chris led the pack.
On the 10th
hole, Chris hit the ball too hard. Rather than ricochet off the back wall, it
bounced over.
The other three kids
laughed, and Chris lost momentum. No one likes to feel foolish. The second shot
rolled halfway up the hill and back down.
The other kids
laughed again, and Chris lost confidence. The third time was not the charm. The
fourth shot would again be taken from the starting point.
After more laughter, Chris lost composure. Now only one hand held the club.
Without bothering to aim, the putter swung halfheartedly.
The 5 on that hole
was followed by 4’s and 5’s the rest of the way. Chris finished in third place.
Barely.
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The Domino Effect
One bad hit led to a
bad hole.
One bad hole led to a
bad series.
One bad series led to a
bad finish.
First we lose
momentum.
Next we lose
confidence.
Then we lose
composure.
This has happened to
me too many times to count.
Yet, you and I aren’t
doomed to suffer the domino effect. We can stop it with the decision we control
most. Our current choice.
That’s
how big comebacks start. One choice at a time. One play at a time.
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Like
athletes, the last play is over and the next play hasn't started. But we can affect the present play.
Bad decisions yesterday don't have to be repeated today. And good decisions today can lead to more good choices tomorrow.
Prayer: "Lord, lead us not to dwell on the past or fret about the future. Help us do
our best today. Amen."
Do you have anything to add to the
conversation?
David
I love the sentiment voiced by many coaches during playoff time. At the end of each game, the past disappears, except for the lessons learned. The next game is the start of the series. Each day is a new beginning, not a continuation of the mistakes of the day before - God's mercies are new each morning. Of course, I struggle to keep that perspective!
ReplyDeleteI will add that the reaction of the people around you, like that of the brothers, can make it harder to forget the past and begin anew. It's hard to remember that only God's opinion counts.
Thank you for your thoughtful response, Sherry. I, too, struggle to remember that God's mercies are new each day. And you are right that when others are in the ditch, they often try to wrap their arms around your ankles to keep you from climbing up into something better.
DeleteGreat lesson, David. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteConnie, I appreciate your kind support.
DeleteI can totally relate. That's how we are most often defeated: one laugh, one choice at a time....strung together into a downward spiral. Love the story and the tie-in to the domino effect, David! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary. Those downward spirals are harder to stop the longer they continue. I need to work on making better choices much sooner.
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