Sideline Survival Tips
side·line (s
d
ln
)n.
I like to use this term to define seasons in life when you feel like you're out of the game. Maybe it's an illness or injury, maybe unemployment, maybe depression or grief, or anything else that seems to be out of your control that makes you slow down, sit down, watch, and wait...
Over the last year, I've gotten to know the sidelines. I've learned that it's not where I usually like to be, but for whatever reason, God has let me spend quite a bit of time here. So in an effort to remind myself in future seasons (whenever I get done with this season), and in case it is helpful to anyone else out there...here are my tips for surviving the sidelines:
1. Accept it. You can spend the whole game asking the Coach why He pulled you off, but He may not tell you right away. Save yourself the time and energy, and learn to trust Him.
2. Rest. Take some time to let your mind and body slow its pace. Usually you don't see the sidelines coming, so you can't prepare yourself for the sudden jolt from 90 to 0 miles per hour. Let your mind and heart take some time to catch up with reality. Give yourself permission to be still for awhile.
3. Be thankful. As long as there is life and the hope of Heaven, there is something to be thankful for. You can start with the classic "It could be worse--I could be blind and starving, swimming in a pool of acid," but ask God to help train your eyes to see what you actually do have to be thankful for.
4. Encourage your team. They're frustrated too, at times, getting beat up on the field, exhausted, not scoring well. They can use an encouraging word, a laugh, or just a cold cup of water from the sidelines.
5. Be a secret weapon--Pray. If you have time to sit on the sidelines, praying is one of the best things you can do. Because when you pray, it's like sending a whole extra team of massive, invisible players to the field. More battles are won through prayer than through human effort.
6. Get to know the Coach. You have lots of time to talk to Him, to watch how He works, to hear His encouragement to you, and to let Him heal your wounds before He sends you back in the game. This can be a very special time with Him if you can let go of your anger that He doesn't do things the way you think He should.
7. Watch the game. You might be able to see things from your perspective now that will help your team, and will help you to know how to play better once you're back in the game.
8. Keep your uniform on. You are not forgotten by your Coach. You are a valuable part of the team--whether you're on the benches or on the court. Stay invested, keep praying, do what you can, and watch for the signal to jump back in the game. And when you do, remember to encourage others on the sidelines.
*The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000
dln)n.
1. Sports
2. sidelines The position or point of view of those who observe rather than participate in an activity.*
a. A line along either of the two sides of a playing court or field, marking its limits.
b. sidelines The space outside such limits, occupied by coaches, inactive players, and spectators.
I like to use this term to define seasons in life when you feel like you're out of the game. Maybe it's an illness or injury, maybe unemployment, maybe depression or grief, or anything else that seems to be out of your control that makes you slow down, sit down, watch, and wait...
Over the last year, I've gotten to know the sidelines. I've learned that it's not where I usually like to be, but for whatever reason, God has let me spend quite a bit of time here. So in an effort to remind myself in future seasons (whenever I get done with this season), and in case it is helpful to anyone else out there...here are my tips for surviving the sidelines:
1. Accept it. You can spend the whole game asking the Coach why He pulled you off, but He may not tell you right away. Save yourself the time and energy, and learn to trust Him.
2. Rest. Take some time to let your mind and body slow its pace. Usually you don't see the sidelines coming, so you can't prepare yourself for the sudden jolt from 90 to 0 miles per hour. Let your mind and heart take some time to catch up with reality. Give yourself permission to be still for awhile.
3. Be thankful. As long as there is life and the hope of Heaven, there is something to be thankful for. You can start with the classic "It could be worse--I could be blind and starving, swimming in a pool of acid," but ask God to help train your eyes to see what you actually do have to be thankful for.
4. Encourage your team. They're frustrated too, at times, getting beat up on the field, exhausted, not scoring well. They can use an encouraging word, a laugh, or just a cold cup of water from the sidelines.
5. Be a secret weapon--Pray. If you have time to sit on the sidelines, praying is one of the best things you can do. Because when you pray, it's like sending a whole extra team of massive, invisible players to the field. More battles are won through prayer than through human effort.
6. Get to know the Coach. You have lots of time to talk to Him, to watch how He works, to hear His encouragement to you, and to let Him heal your wounds before He sends you back in the game. This can be a very special time with Him if you can let go of your anger that He doesn't do things the way you think He should.
7. Watch the game. You might be able to see things from your perspective now that will help your team, and will help you to know how to play better once you're back in the game.
8. Keep your uniform on. You are not forgotten by your Coach. You are a valuable part of the team--whether you're on the benches or on the court. Stay invested, keep praying, do what you can, and watch for the signal to jump back in the game. And when you do, remember to encourage others on the sidelines.
"Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thess. 5:16-18
*The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000
So well written Andrea. I'm so proud of you and know you'll be back in the game soon! Praying for you as you wait it out.
ReplyDeleteDad
"Keep your uniform on." << Great advice! Thanks, Andrea.
ReplyDeleteI love this! good advice and encouraging :)
ReplyDelete