Challenges: Part One

Lately I've been contemplating all the challenges in my life, and my thoughts always lead back to one question - 'What gets in the way of the accomplishment of my goals?' My list goes something like this:

1. Weak mind / heart
2. Fear / cowardice
3. Self-doubt
4. Distractions

What gets in your way?

Part Two coming tomorrow.

October Passion

The baseball playoffs are an amazing time of the year with every team toying with your emotions until you can almost not stand watching games on the television anymore.  The Rangers, in the past week, have made me so mad that I've wanted to throw baseballs at kittens, so sad that I've wanted to cry while cuddling a kitten, but mostly they've made me like this:




Original drawing by Allie Brosh from Hyperbole and a Half
Edited for my purposes, obviously

 
Sheer elation.  Pure joy.  Give me a claw baby.  This for me is by far the best time of year.  My passion for baseball is at its peak and when others are excited with you it just makes the experience all the more amazing.

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend Game 3 of the ALDS in Arlington this year (my first postseason game), thanks to Megan Anne, and it was a blasty blast.  "Upton, Upton, Upton.... you stink!"  "Upton, you're my neighbor!"  - Yeah I know it doesn't make sense, but you know what?  IT DOESN'T HAVE TO.  Thanks to everyone in Section 53 for making October 9 a special day for me.  To quote the great Roy Hobbs / Robert Redford, "God I love baseball."

Anyway the point of this post is actually passion.  What if we were all as passionate about our relationship with God as are about the baseball / football / insert favorite sport here playoffs?  What if we cared as much about our neighbors and coworkers as we did about Josh Hamilton and Brett Favre?  Why do we not jump up and down and yell praise to God but we'll do it for a man who has been blessed with the ability to hit a baseball or throw a football?  Our obsession with God may not always make sense to someone looking in from the outside, but you know what?  IT DOESN'T HAVE TO.  Your passion will draw them in and lead them to the Creator. 

Be passionate.  Be obsessed.  Be elated.  Life is too short.  Don't make sense, it's okay.  Really.  Also, cuddle a kitten. 



JrV