by Rick Furmanek
When you hear the statement, "There goes a waste of talent," what comes to mind? Perhaps you've even uttered that comment under your breath as you watch a player perform far below their God-given potential. Lack luster at best.
The Minor Leagues are chock-full of examples like this, players who never really rose to everyone's expectations, whether it be at the plate, on the mound or in the field. There's a good chance that the longer you watch youth teams, you'll start to notice players already showing signs of wandering down that unfortunate path.
Lack of hustle, little or no commitment, easily distracted, taking short cuts when the coach is not looking, not giving their all, making wrong choices, not caring what happens, all serve as warning signs that a player is ignoring a critical life lesson that can be learned in this great game of baseball.
Now mind you, not everyone is cut out to play baseball at the next level, but I am confident that we can help every kid play to his own potential at the level he is currently competing.
Question . . . What stands in the way of a player reaching his potential? It could be the improper approach to coaching. It could be unrealistic expectations. It could be his home life. It could be peer pressure. It could be a confidence issue. It could even be an addiction. Yes, unfortunately at this age we have to start concerning ourselves with what our youth are exposed to and what they pursue.
Directing and/or influencing a young man's future is an important responsibility. The values and life principals we can impart to our players will help shape their outlook on life.
Did you know that the Bible also talks about the importance of living up to our potential? I believe there are some lessons in God's Word that we can use on the field. Just listen to what the Apostle Paul says in the book of 2 Corinthians, Chapter 6
"I can't tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open spacious life. We didn't fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren't small, but you're living them in a small way. I'm speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!"
Wow! What a fantastic truth! The reason we don't live up to our potential with God isn't because God has prevented it. It's because we have been duped into being satisfied with living in a small way. God reminds us that he gives us the freedom to and expects us to live big. What a great privilege it is to be able to impart a valuable truth such as this to our kids.
The other night the movie, "Top Gun" was on the tube. At one point Maverick, completely dejected and with no confidence, is sitting at a bar at the airport getting ready to call it quits. He's just lost his best friend, Goose, in a tragic accident. Having sensed he's failed at everything, he's now ready to throw in the towel. During this moment his girlfriend, walks up and sits down and begins to try to reason with him. At one point in her frustration of not being able to get through to him she states, "You know, when I first met you Pete Maverick, you were larger than life."
What a compliment! I think that pretty much sums it up. And I would say to you . . . God wants you to live big, live huge, live openly. It's only then that we can reach the potential that is available to each and every one of us. I encourage you to give yourself permission, to give your coaches permission and to give your players permission to live really, really big.
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