Pregame Speech (May 2004)

Thoughts, stories, examples and ideas on challenging your team to perform at their highest level possible.

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

George MacDonald once noted that one draft horse can move two tons of weight. However, two draft
horses in harness, working together, can move twenty-three tons of weight.

MEMO FROM GOD
(author unknown)

Effective immediately, please be aware that there are changes you need to make in your life.

These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill my promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life.

I apologize for any inconvenience, but after all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of you.

I know, I already gave you the 10 Commandments. Keep them. But follow these guidelines, also.

1. QUIT WORRYING

Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry.

Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you?

2. PUT IT ON THE LIST

Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. Put it on MY to-do-list.

Let ME be the one to take care of the problem for you.

3. TRUST ME

Once you've given your burdens to me, quit trying to take them back.

Trust in me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials.

I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.

4. LEAVE IT ALONE

Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here."

Why do you think you are feeling stronger now?

It's simple.

You gave me your burdens and I'm taking care of them.

Leave them with me and forget about them. Just let me do my job.

5. TALK TO ME

I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control.

But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please don't forget to talk to me - OFTEN!

I love you. I want to hear your voice.

6. HAVE FAITH

I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are.

Have faith in me that I know what I'm doing.

7. SHARE

You were taught to share when you were only two years old.

When did you forget?

That rule still applies.

8. BE PATIENT

I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences.

You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, met thousands of people, and experience so much.

Trust in my timing, for my timing is perfect.

9. BE KIND

Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you.

10. LOVE YOURSELF

As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself?

You were created by me for one reason only - to be loved, and to love in return.

I am a God of Love. Love me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself.

It makes my heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong.

You are very precious to me. Don't ever forget that!

With all my heart I love you,

GOD