Spurs: One Thing!

The Finals are here!  What an exciting time for the city of San Antonio!  A happy mood prevails around the river city, whether you're pumping gas or shopping at HEB.  Our small town San Antonio market has become a household name.  Everybody is talking about the games, the Spurs, the Heat, the heat and the cramps.

Remember post-game after the Spurs beat OKC in overtime to win the Western Conference title?  Duncan was asked about playing for the championship against the Heat for the second year in a row.  "We have more games to win," Duncan said to TNT's David Aldridge.  "We'll do it this time."  That statement was analyzed, rehashed, scrutinized and studied by sports talk people non-stop.  Timmy just meant what Timmy said.  We'll do it this time.  Simple.  What's all the hoopla about?

In the midst of the free-for-all-frenzy that accompanies  the NBA finals, it's so cool to see a team that keeps first things first.  They are not distracted by the glitz and glamour.  They refuse to get caught up in the trash talk.  They don't care about what people think.  They're not bound by getting statistics, records and personal accomplishments in a game.  They want one thing...to win the NBA championship.

There is so much to learn from our Spurs.  Coach Pop, as leader, has taught this mindset through the years.  He models it for all to see.  Keep focusing on your goal.  Don't get distracted.  Don't get caught up in all the stuff.  Focus.  Keep the main thing the main thing.  OK, let's be honest.  That's not easy.  We're so human.  When was the last time you longed for approval by the important people around you?  How do you handle the naysayers who don't think you're all that impressive? How do you remain cool, calm and collected in the midst of mistake after mistake? When being blatantly judged or criticized unjustly, how do you remain confident and unaffected?

For me, I am constantly in need of a re-focus.  I need Jesus.  When I start looking at the people around me, and comparing how I match up, I fall flat.  The longer I live, the more I see how we humans can become SO affected by people around us.  What THEY think.  What THEY do.  How THEY compare to us.  Whether THEY like us or not.  So what?  What does God say?

In Hebrews Chapter 12, the Christian life is compared to a race.  It was written to encourage believers who were facing great persecution to stay the course and fix their eyes on the perfect example, Jesus.  Jesus overcame every life obstacle known to man.  Stay focused on the goal.  Don't give in to the trash talk of your mind.  Stop comparing your lot in life with someone else.  Move from those that judge and criticize.  Follow Christ's example of loving people well.  And for the Spurs?  One thing.  Win the championship!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Hebrews 12:1-2

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.