By Doug Strickel
It seems like yesterday to me. We had won the state baseball championship, I had completed my sophomore year of high school, and I had committed to play in Minden’s high school summer league.
There was a tap on the door as I was returning home from my summer job. It was the baseball coach for the American Legion. He questioned me about why I hadn’t attended the previous evening’s trials.
The premier baseball league for high school and perhaps college freshmen at the time was American Legion Baseball. Back then, there was no such thing as a travel ball. Typically, five or six high schools would band together, hold tryouts, and create a very competitive American Legion team.
I had never given it much thought as a sophomore, but I had intended to try out my junior year. Playing second base for Minden High was a respectable season for me, but this would be very different. I would be his second baseman if I was interested, the coach said.
I was flattered, but I knew that on some occasions I would be outmatched. I wasn’t sure if I was prepared to face the finest of the greatest.
That evening, I declined his offer and participated in the city high school league. I received the MVP award after my team won the city championship. But I wasn’t in the right league. I’ve regretted missing this wonderful opportunity ever since.
I shall always ponder what may have been! What would have happened if I had received the exposure and experience playing American Legion ball that summer?
I have since regretted a number of judgments I made during the following several years, the first of which was that one. I wanted consistency over possibilities, safety (success) over the unknown (failure), and comfort over uncertainty. I failed to plan ahead. I was too preoccupied with my current level of comfort.
Have you visited there before? Do you frequently let fear keep you from taking advantage of opportunities? That fear may stem from a variety of factors, such as:
- Fear of failure The possibility of failure overrides any desire to experience success
- Fear of uncertainty You will remain in a predictable bad rather than seek a possible good
- Fear of rejection Your fear of what others may say or think overrides your personal desires
- Fear of losing control You like comfort, assurance, and control and avoid anything that involves you giving those up
Many years ago, I vowed to never again let fear lead to regrets. I wouldn’t have any more “I wish I had” moments.
According to 2 Timothy 1:7, God gave us a spirit of strength, love, and self-control rather than one of fear.
For you, what is it? In what aspect of your life do you let fear influence your choices? What regrets are you making because you’re afraid?
Let’s confront our concerns and begin building a life that is filled with chances and regrets avoided!
- Seek wise counsel on key decisions to ensure you don t allow fear to control you
- Start your day early doing something uncomfortable to set the tone for the day
- Redefine success Success is not always an outcome but is often an input (an experience not an achievement)
- Don t base your decision on what you see on social media or any comparison
- Remember any noteworthy experience will likely have an element outside your control
I have no more regrets! What about you?
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