Game On!

Growing up in the suburbs in Canada, I played my fair share of street hockey, so I frequently heard the phrase “Game on!”

Back then there was an understanding relationship between players and motorists.

At first sight of an oncoming vehicle, players shouted the warning, “CAR!”

Play stopped. Nets were picked up and carried to the curb. Cars drove past, sometimes with a wave and a knowing smile.

Then came the cry, “GAME ON!”

My Toronto homeboy Mike Myers captured my childhood street hockey memories perfectly in this clip from Wayne’s World:

One of the things about street hockey is that you go into it knowing that there will be inconveniences and interruptions.

A car driving through your game isn’t a reason to quit. Once it’s gone, just yell “Game on!” and start again.

We forget that sometimes, don’t we?

How many times do we get discouraged and quit outright when we miss a few days of exercising, eating right, praying, reading, going to a class, or any other discipline we’ve chosen?

Taking a break, whether forced or voluntary, doesn’t have to translate into quitting.

Hey, there are lots of things that get in the way. Check out this video for a few:

We scoff sometimes at the idea, but we have a spiritual enemy who would like nothing more than to divide, distract and discourage us.

Satan would like nothing more than for you to lose sight of your calling and stay on the sidelines.

Don’t let the cars, motorcycle gangs, marathons, parades or stampedes drive you to quit that discipline that you know is good and right.

I know you’ve been taken off track lately. You’ve been beating yourself up because you just haven’t been able to stick with it. You’re ready to throw in the towel. Maybe you’ve thrown it in already.

I know because I’m right there with you.

Let’s pick it up.

One.

More.

Time.

GAME ON!!!

Tagged as: encouragement, focus, patience, persistence