KEEP THE FAITH
Consider it a great joy my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. - James 1:2-4
I hope this message finds each of you enjoying the final stretch of summer, while being surrounded by friends and family. It has been a blessing to be visiting my 84 year old grandfather who has impacted my life, along with my grandmother, in ways that have impacted me to this day. They continue to be two of the most influential people in my life ever. Without the spankings I received, stern looks, lectures of wrong vs. right and many hugs, I know I would not be the person I am today. They're example will be engrained in me forever. One thing my grandma and papa always taught me was that if you're going to do something, you better do it as well as it can be done, and you should do it that way all of the time. For Whitworth Volleyball, that means we've already chosen to have a team, you've already chosen to play, so, we better have the best darn team we can have.
Soon, Whitworth's campus will be buzzing with students, athletes and faculty. The first practices and classes of fall are always much anticipated. It is a joy to see our teammates, friends, towering Ponderosa Pines, smell the cool, fall air, and settle back into another year of school. The beginning of each school year is an exciting time, filled with whimsy, smiles and imagination. I know I'm excited to see each of you, get acclimated once again to campus, practice in the field house, and chase a new destiny this season. Optimism is overflowing! From a volleyball perspective, if we win we're doing great. If we lose, well, it's just one game. There is a lot of season left to right the ship. It's easy to have faith in the team early in the year when the possibilities for success are endless, but how about in the midst of a loss or a losing streak?
When Jesus and His disciples were in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee, a massive storm came upon them, causing the waves to come over the boat. The disciples woke up Jesus, and they cried out, "Lord, save us! We're going to die!" (v. 25). So much for being optimistic. It was smooth sailing for the disciples initially, then without warning the storm was rocking their boat. Jesus calmed the wind and waves that day, and He can calm the storms in your life today as well.
Girls, let us all keep our faith in our team visible to one another all season. No matter how strong the wind, waves and storm gets, let's resolve to endure and hold one another accountable to be the best we can be. We will not put boundaries or limits on our team, including each other, but we will support each other in being the best people, players and coaches we can be. Let's keep the optimism overflowing!
Your final CrossFit challenge is to pick your CrossFit Friday workout of choice and conquer it. That's right, I'm not giving you your workout this week. That's up to you. You may pick one we've done, one from your workout packet, or you may choose to find your own. WODbox and WODbook are great CrossFit supporting apps you can use if you'd like to track down a workout you've never done. Please post the workout you did, what it involved, as well as your rounds or time for the workout. Have fun with this one girls!
Have a great rest of your summer! Go Bucs!
Panch
