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Now and Later

Most people that read my blog will not care about pro basketball but there was a nationally televised game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat. Gregg Popovich, the coach of the Spurs, chose to send his 4 best players home before the game. The Spurs as a team are older and he decided to rest his stars throughout the season so they will be rested and ready for the playoffs.

Now, forget for a moment that sports mean way too much in our world and athletes are overpaid. Let's take it for what it is and allow me to give you a few more details. The Miami Heat are the defending champs and this game was highlighted on national television. 

So, because people talk all the time about sports and decisions, much was made about Popovich's choice to seemingly throw this game. People argued that this was way too early to be worried about the end of the season. This was too soon to be resting players. 

Really?

Are choices we make in November and December too soon for outcomes in April and May? Is there no acknowledgement that the things we do today have an impact on our lives months and years later? In the case of sports, one could argue that players cannot just turn fatigue on and off. But in more important areas of life, it must be admitted that we do not just become the person we've always wanted to be without working hard to become that person.

Our choices have consequences, both good and bad. This was made real to me recently as my son finished his occupational therapy on his left arm. Breaking it back in September, we worked through the pain and prayed against lifetime injuries. We took him twice a week and exercised his arm throughout the week. At the end of September, my boy could barely move his arm. He certainly didn't want to think about moving his arm. It wasn't easy for us to watch him struggle and wince. 

Today, he has 99% of the movement back. It should also be noted that the Spurs almost won the game. 

The little things we do now have a great effect on what happens later. Anything less is shortsighted.
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