Quitting the Tennis Team

5/9/2014

Discovering your DNA in order to make an impact…

Little Timmy wants to be an All-State athlete, so he decides to join the tennis team. It’s doesn’t take long to realize that Little Timmy is the worst player on the team because Little Timmy is not so little. He weighs over three hundred pounds, is very slow, and so strong that most of his backhands go sailing over the boundary line and over the fence. Little Timmy is not going to make the All-State team in tennis, because his genetic make up is that of an offensive lineman.

Doing work that matters starts with leaning into your DNA. If you’re 350 pounds and ‘strong like bull’, tennis is not your game. Play football instead.

I could try and design clothes that encourage and inspire people, but I don’t have the DNA of a fashion designer. I have the DNA of a writer. So I write.

What makes up your DNA? What are your strengths? It could be anything. It could be dancing, sewing, cooking, or creating Bible study curriculum for toddlers. What’s important is to recognize your strengths, embrace your genetic make up, and start leveraging them to make an impact.

Don’t be a lineman trying to make the tennis team. Quit the tennis team. Play football, and make an impact.

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11 Comments

Lori

5/8/2014 23:52:25

Another idea that not only encourages reflection but also acceptance. "Little TImmy" could spend all his time beating himself up for not having the "right" dna or he could embrace himself, as is and make it work.
God doesn't make mistakes, so stop being so tough on yourself and live the life you were given :-)

Philadelphia

5/9/2014 01:37:48

Very good advice. The problem is that most of us are so set on doing something and if we find out that we aren't meant for it, it could seem like the end of the world. What I do know is that God will not lead his children into a pit of darkness. He is love and he wants to see us prosper. What satisfaction will he get from misleading his own children? So my advice is that trust God and his ways. Some people may feel like they are being punished by not being able to certain things well but it's the opposite. Consider it a blessing because God is making space for something much better that will lead you to happiness.

April link

5/9/2014 05:37:35

It's not something that's impossible to do, but it takes courage. May God help us be strong and courageous.

jon

5/9/2014 07:15:29

Yes! That is actually a supplemental post that I'm working on. We cannot get caught playing the comparison game. We cannot live out other people's callings. We won't be any good at it. We will be great at delivering on our strengths though.

5/9/2014 07:16:40

Wonderful insight. Perhaps our failure in one area is just God trying to lead us down the path to success in another.

5/9/2014 19:06:08

I want to take this moment actually to thank you. For the posts and your videos on the Anima series. The work you are doing sometimes saves lives and gives people the kick they need. I remember that last year I was going through a rough patch. I was a hot mess and that I was unusual for me. I was like 'Little Timmy' trying so hard to be someone that I couldn't. So you know what I did? I went on YouTube and found your "Not Qualified" video and "The Wall". Those videos saved me from falling apart. Then I found your blog and it has really helped to think in ways that I usually didn't. I was so excited that I emailed you and the moment it sent, I regretted it. I beat myself for weeks for that. I thought what would make you reply to some girl in South Africa with petty problems while you can be helping people who really need your advice. To my surprise, you replied. I was just like oh my word. He actually cared to. I think one of your best qualities. To make people feel like their opinions matter. The reason I keep reading your posts and actually commenting is because I feel that you value our opinions as we value yours. Not to leave out that you are actually spot on in your posts. I just want to say keep doing what you are doing because it is not vain. There's a lot people who would love to listen

5/9/2014 07:17:06

Amen. Thanks for reading April. As always.

Alexis

5/9/2014 12:43:28

I am horrible at sports and i am pretty positive im a better writer. I think its a lifelong process, but particurally a lesson learned in adolesence to embrace yourself because there is nothing wrong with you. It's easier to get caught up with society wishes for you, than god's intended destiny.

5/10/2014 00:35:54

I cannot tell you how much that means and how much your presence on this blog brings inspiration and value to not only me, but everyone who reads it.

5/10/2014 00:36:46

That last line of your comment is a QUOTE! I might steal it. But I promise to give you credit. So wise.

http://www.servelikeapro.com/ link

5/14/2014 22:04:51

Some people may feel like they are being punished by not being able to certain things well but it's the opposite. Consider it a blessing because God is making space for something much better that will lead you to happiness.

Quitting the Tennis Team

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