Play every game like it’s your last.
It’s not about how you start. It’s how you finish.

When the end does come, and you realize it’s the end, the feeling is surreal.

This weekend was the last series of the regular season. Our record qualifies us to make a Regional, but our fate lies in the hands of the Selection Committee.

The above quotes were exactly what my coach had been telling us all weekend. After playing one of the top ranked teams in the nation hard two straight games, we came out Sunday, on what very well could have been our last game of the season, and blew it. We lost 9-0 in 5 innings and didn’t get a hit all game. If it sounds like a nightmare, it was.

The locker room has never felt so quiet. The disappointment, the defeat—could it be true that our whole season now has a bitter taste because of this one, last game?

Live every day like it’s your last.
Live life to the fullest. Make the most of every opportunity.

Can I be honest? If I knew my days were coming to an end, would I be taking my finals this week? No! It is an expression, but at the heart of each quote is the message of always give your whole heart and passion into every little thing you do.

What does the Bible say about the end? As Christians, we await the day when “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” (Revelations 21:4) This is part of our Hope in Jesus, that He will come again in His glory, and that we will live with Him in peace and harmony for all of eternity.

Matthew 24:36, 42, 44: No one knows about the day or hour, not even the angles in heaven, not the Son, but only the Father… Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come… So you also must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

1 Thessalonians 5:2 – For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

2 Peter 3:10-15 – But the day of the Lord will come like a thief…what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed it’s coming…. make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation.

According to scripture, Jesus will return when we least expect it. We are going to have no way of knowing. This makes me live my life with a sense of urgency. Look yourself in the mirror, and ask that if Jesus were to come tomorrow, would you be considered one that knows Him? There is no waiting for tomorrow with our Faith. This is why we must live every day with the conviction of the gospel.

And as for sports, playing with that conviction is important. You never know when injury, illness, or you name it could occur. Yet my lesson learned this weekend was a bit different. It wasn’t until the game was over, until I walked off the field, until I sat in the back of the bus and put my headphones on so I could just be by myself and let the tears fall…

My teammate came back, sat in the seat next to me, and just held my hand why I cried on her shoulder. No words were exchanged, but it was the exact reminder I needed.

It’s not about a Regional bid. It’s not about wins or losses. It’s about the relationships I form. It’s about carrying out God’s will in my life, and playing in the Name of Love.

1 Peter 4:7 – The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.