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Not Every Shot Goes In

We've all seen it.  The walk-off hit, the clinching catch, the game winning pass, the play that wins it for your team.  Many of us have witnessed moments of greatness; times when larger than life players made larger than life plays to win games, titles, and championships for their teams and fans.  And fewer of us have ever had the chance to make that kind of play in the grandest of moments. 

But for every miracle play that won the game, there is a team that lost.  Someone dropped the ball, missed the pitch, or was just off the mark and feels they cost their team the game.  It's one of the worst feelings in the world when you feel that you let your teammates and those rooting for you down. 

Which side of this equation would you rather be on?  Obviously we all want to be with the winners and enjoy the celebration.  But think back to a time when you failed on the play or lost the game.  Which one left you hungrier, yearning to come back stronger, smarter, and better than before?  Our losses shape and motivate us more than our wins ever could.

Michael Jordan is famously quoted as saying, "I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career.  I've lost almost 300 games.  26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed.  I've failed over and over and over again in my life.  And that is why I succeed." 

Every MVP, every All-star, every Pro-bowler has made a mistake.  They've missed a tackle, dropped a ball, or missed a shot that cost them a game.  But they kept going, they didn't stop and let that become their defining moment.  Your defining moment may not be on a field, a court, or in a stadium.  It may not be on a stage, in a crowded auditorium, or convention center.  Your defining moment may be in the car or on the phone with a loved one.  It may be sending a text or sitting on the couch.  But it won't happen if let your circumstances stop you.

Whatever you're facing today, keep moving, and trust God to guide you through.  And if you see someone miss a shot, or make a bad play, encourage them, even our heroes have struck out a time or two.

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