Russell Wilson and Evolving

Could have. Would have. Should have. Similar words were echoed relentlessly by football and non-football experts alike after Super Bowl 2015. Even Joakim Noah, of the Chicago Bulls, said of the infamous play "I'm French and I know that was bad." (ChicagoTribune.com) The play? New England Patriots strong safety Malcolm Butler intercepted a pass intended for Seahawks' wide receiver Ricardo Lockette with only 21 seconds left on the clock. 

Russell Wilson, the Seattle Seahawks' quarterback, tweeted after the game "Every setback has a major comeback." A few minutes later, Wilson tweeted "At 26 years old, I won't allow 1 play or 1 moment define my career. I will keep evolving." Evolving...to develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form. I like that. Wilson has been criticized over the years for his stature (something he has no control over) and what he can't seem to do, but eventually does.  But, I love Russell Wilson's determination! He put a few powerful stakes in the ground very soon after the game.  He WON'T allow one play to define his career. He WILL keep evolving.  Wilson fully took the blame for the call saying "I'm the one who threw it."  

Now, that's one humble leader!  He will not let this one mistake define his career. He will keep developing.  He will continue to focus. He will keep his head up. He will stay after it. How about you? When you make a mistake you'd like to forget, how do you move on? Option #1: You can blame others for your mistakes. Option #2: You can realize you've blown it, live in the past and never let it go. Option #3: You can acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them.  I want to always choose Option #3 every time?  Don't you? Not always that easy.

With Russell Wilson, there is something higher driving him on and off the field. That someone is God. Wilson is a shining example of what it looks like to walk out his faith. His confidence is in God. He speaks with conviction from God. He will keep growing, even through this huge loss. He will not waiver from whom God has called him to be. Paul, in the Bible is a model of strong confidence.  In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Paul said himself "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."  And Paul's circumstances were far worse than throwing a game losing interception! 

Our work and our faith CAN mix together nicely every day, if we allow it to.  God would love to partner with you every day as you work. He is ready to help you, encourage you and strengthen you every moment of your day. He would like to help you evolve. Just like Russell Wilson.

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you, will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6

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