Jump: A Lesson from my Mom.
On January 1st, my mom encouraged our family to choose a word of focus for the year. Her word, she told us, was JUMP. She was inspired by various moments at different basketball games where she has screamed from the stands,
“You have to jump for the rebound! It’s not just going to fall in your lap! Jump!”
The concept stuck, prompting her to see that life often offers us many moments where we have to do the same. Whether our desired goals are work-related or personal, spiritual or financial, physical or relational, sometimes we have to stop waiting for the right opportunity to come to us. Sometimes we just have to jump!
This is a lesson I’m learning myself, thanks to my mom. When I played basketball, I was never good at rebounding. I always lacked the internal motivation and external aggression to jump up and claim what was mine, so, another teammate or the opposing team often got the ball instead. As I reflect, I realize that this mentality is easily transferred into my everyday life as well. When I fail to dutifully and wholeheartedly engage in the opportunities set before me, I can miss what could have been my shot.
By mid-January, it is easy to abandon the goals we previously set for ourselves. At this time, the hype of a new year has worn off and true discipline must begin. This is easier said than done, of course, which is why I believe a concept like “jump” is all the more necessary.
Jumping teaches us the importance of trying again, for it is in our second (and maybe even third or fourth) attempt that we are given another chance to rebound, or at the very least say that we gave it our all.
When we sit idly, hoping for things to fall into place, very little actually occurs. If anything, those who are against us, run away with what was never theirs to begin with. In contrast, when we jump, stretching ourselves to grasp the things that may be slightly out of reach, we position ourselves to achieve the goals that were right before us all along. I want this for us this year.
So, if you hear nothing else from me this Thursday, I hope you remember this: the opportunities you hope and dream of are still here…they’re right before you! Maybe now is the time you must begin to jump!
Until next week,
Natalie Brown
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