Contentment in sports: winning and losing
Contentment in sports, something we talk about but, may never experience. Am I content being single? Or maybe even being unemployed? I think being content can also relate to the realm of sports. For example, as athletes, coaches, and teams, can we be content when we don’t win?
It’s easy to say we’re content with the trophy in our hands or when we win, but can we praise God when we lose or when we’re at our lowest? Personally, until recently it would have been a resounding no. However, in God’s grace, he has begun to show me contentment even when things don’t go my way.
Scripture behind contentment
The Bible talks about this in Philippians 4:11-12, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Paul is talking about that in different circumstances such as starving, being imprisoned, or being tortured he has found the meaning of being content.
Examples of having contentment in sports
Recently, I was sick and was watching the Florida Gators play the Georgia Bulldogs. Obviously, the Gators lost in a heartbreaking fashion when they were in the game. At first, I was mad, frustrated, and ticked off. Soon after that though there was a peace, a calm that said it’s ok life is good. This was my first encounter with contentment in sports.
Then this week, I posted an article like this one on my blog and got a message from a company for an interview. Basically, the blog didn’t do great (yet) and I didn’t hear back from the job. Again, anger, but followed by contentment in sports.
How God teaches us contentment in sports
I’m not saying there’s a magic formula. I’m not saying you will always experience it. What I am saying is God can use circumstances that hurt, to show you that you can be content even when life is not going your way.
Did this take forever for me to learn? Yes, it did. I’m just now experiencing it! If you know me, you know I can be pessimistic and think on the negative side of things. Until quite recently I never thought optimistically, but now if I get myself in a rut, I can get out of it mentally.
Contentment in sports examples (My experience)
Going back to the sports topic in high school I ran track and field. I made it to the State meet my junior and senior year. Both years in the 4X800 and 800 I came in tenth place just short of the 8th spot and a medal to go with it. Did I have contentment in sports in this circumstance? Absolutely not. However, now I look at it as a blessing as I believe my pride that was already sky-high would’ve possibly even been worse than it was.
I could’ve chosen to look at the positives. I made it to States, I beat a whole lot of runners, but I chose to focus on the negative. Athletes do this a lot where we feel like winning is everything and I’m guilty of it as well. Is God really all about winning though?
Think of the lessons you learn when you lose. You learn about yourself. How are you going to respond when you get knocked down? Most athletes go through hard times before they make it to the top. God puts us through tough times, so when we get to the top, we know that it had to be God that got us there.
Contentment in sports (professional athletes experience)
Ask Tom Brady if he’s content. He has six Super Bowls, a beautiful wife, a family, and basically is super-rich. In an interview, he asked if this was it if this was all there was, or if there was a bigger purpose. When asked which Super Bowl to win his favorite was, he simply stated the next one.
Does that sound like someone who’s content? Compare his life to that of Tim Tebow. He runs the Tim Tebow Foundation, along with Night to Shine, goes on missions’ trips and at 31 is just getting engaged. He has never won a Super Bowl, he is not as wealthy as Tom Brady, and even though he’s famous lives a very humble life. You tell me which one’s more content.
Tom Brady’s life teaches us a very important lesson. If we can’t learn to be content with where we are in life, be content with what we have, or be content in our circumstances when we get those things that we want, we will still be dissatisfied.
Nick Foles’ said it best in a press conference recently. He basically said that before he won that Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, he was satisfied. His identity wasn’t in that trophy, it was in Christ. The only way we can be truly satisfied is in Christ. Contentment and satisfaction will only come if God shows us how. Otherwise, we will never be content, and we will never have true joy.
Don’t think I’m writing this like an expert I’m not. Like I said I have just experienced it recently. If you have any questions or would like to talk about what it looks like to be content, please contact me, my email is zevans1@fau.edu. I hope this speaks to you and that you too will find true contentment.
