When Life Throws You a Curve
February 1st, 2009Following the 1966-67 college basketball season, the NCAA outlawed the “slam dunk” for several years. Lou Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul Jabar) thought his college career was over as that was his “bread and butter” shot. Coach John Wooden told him to adapt and develop a new strategy and that he could go back to the dunk in the pro’s. To make a long story short, Jabar developed the “sky hook,” a shot which would be feared by collegiate and professional opponents.Have you noticed that sometimes the rules of life change? Life does not always go on a comfortable, predictable pattern. In fact, the most consistent thing about life is its inconsistency. So, when life throws us a curve, what do we do?
We have several options for life’s changes. First, we can quit the game. Second, we can pout about it. Third, we can go along halfheartedly. Fourth, we can adapt and thrive.
Don’t we thrill at the stories of people who turned their “lemon into lemonade”? Charles Kettering’s broken arm led to the starter for car engines. Frigid temperatures led to Jacob Schick’s invention of the electric razor. Martin Luther’s forced stay at a Wartburg castle led to the translation of the Bible into German. John Bunyon wrote Pilgrim’s Progress while in prison. The Son of God provided salvation by laying down his life for us.
As we review the circumstances of our lives, we need to realize that life is fluid. Changes are actually opportunities, not just interruptions. Let’s be creative with what “can be” and not bemoan “the way we were.”
Keep The Light Burning!
Perry Greene
