The Crushing Blow of Disappointment
Well, the Minnesota Vikings lost! Living in Minnesota for the past fourteen years and being a native hoosier, I was hoping for a Vikings-Colts clash in the big game. But my hopes were dashed by a 40-yard field goal, several inopportune turnovers, and a pretty good New Orleans Saints team. The Colts will play in Miami this year, but their opponents will be wearing black and gold, not the purple and gold of my hometown team. If you follow sports, no matter what team you root for, you are bound to have a season where you will be disappointed. They say that there is only one winner and everyone else are the losers . . . how disappointing!
How do you deal with disappointment? Not just the disappointment that comes with your favorite team losing the big game, but how do you deal with life's disappointments . . . both big and small? How do you process things when things do not go your way? I make lists. It helps me to get some measure of control of my circumstances. Putting together a to-do list, a pros and cons list, a prayer request list, or any type of problem-solving categorization helps me deal with the frustration of not getting what I want, expect, or think should be coming my way. When I can see the situation placed in some sort of organized progression, then I feel like I can keep moving forward. Step-by-step, check mark upon check mark, and prayer after prayer . . . it helps me focus on what lies ahead and not what disappointments have transpired in my past.
As a youth leader, as a pastor, as a college professor, and (most importantly) as a parent, I hope that I help those I have influenced over the years be prepared to move past their own disappointments. We don't win every game and even John Wooden didn't win the championship every year, (although he probably came the closest of anyone I know). Yes, it is important to teach others how to succeed and how to win. However, if we do not teach them how to deal with the loses and disappointments in life, then we haven't really done our job.
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." And in Jeremiah 28:11-13 (NIV) the prophet writes, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'" Even in the middle of our disappointments, if we keep the proper perspective and faith, we are rewarded with hope.
The sports fan always talks about next year or the next game, but chances are they will again face disappointments. Where is your hope? How are you helping others deal with their inevitable disappointments in life? They will come, just ask any Vikings fan!
