This is the Day Ch 5

• The true goal is to positively impact as many people as possible.
• Seeking the false security of fame can distract from the satisfaction of impacting others.
• Focusing on societal pressures or personal struggles can lead to a self-centered perspective.
• It's important to maintain perspective and avoid getting caught up in superficial values

Perspective

• Like Jesus, one should make a distinction contrary to popular opinion
• During a dinner party, Jesus suggested guests take the lowest seat, so the host may request them to take a higher seat, this will honor them in front of everyone
• Jesus recommended inviting the poor, crippled, lame, and blind to luncheons or banquets, promising a reward from God as they cannot repay you.
• God values inner character over outward appearances.

A Better Perspective

• God's perspective reaches outward with eternal light, helping us see the bigger picture and what is most important.

• Special baseball experiences included support from people touched by efforts outside the sport.

• The author recalls a road trip where he was greeted by volunteers who gave their time to those often overlooked by society

• Meeting people helped by the foundation or encouraged by the author's talks served as reminders that life is more than just sports

• The author aims to avoid defining himself solely by sports achievements.

• During his senior year in college, the pressure to win championships and another Heisman became overwhelming.

• Losing the SEC championship felt devastating, making it hard to maintain perspective.

• Having the right perspective means recognizing the game isn't everything.

• More than getting to the majors, it is important to be a believer in God, teammates, abilities, and purpose.

• The author wants to bring out the best in others, impacting their lives positively.

• Every interaction is an opportunity to influence someone positively or negatively

• The author strives to rally teammates to believe in achieving something special together

• The author recalls encouraging Demaryius Thomas after a missed play, leading to a crucial touchdown

• People are always watching and what we say and do matters.

• Living with purpose allows us to make a lasting difference.

• Whether in highs or lows, remember that your life and actions matter.

Transcend The Journey

• The author tries to make his sports journey bigger than just the game by turning successes and failures into teachable moments

• During his first baseball season, an interaction with a woman and her son with autism at a grocery store after a frustrating gym session became a powerful reminder

• The woman recognized the author as the person behind Night to Shine, a prom for people with special needs.

• Meeting the family reminded the author of the purpose behind his work and prompted him to consider writing the book.

• Life is more than just excelling in games; it's about meaning, purpose, and believing in one's actions.

• God can do something significant in any role, no matter how menial it seems.

• Let God work even when you least expect it.

Believe, No Matter the Circumstances

• Despite challenges, one can choose to believe that God will use hardships for good.

• Following his debut in the Arizona Fall League, the author prayed for a man who had a seizure, after which the man's eyes opened

• The man, named Brandon, revealed he had epilepsy and the two began talking

• Brandon shared his story of being diagnosed with epilepsy in 2013, leading to anger and distance from God

• Brandon rededicated his life to Jesus after a conversation with a stranger about faith prior to the baseball game

• The seizure at the ballpark led to a breakthrough in Brandon's treatment, as doctors were able to pinpoint the seizure activity during an EEG for the first time

• Since renewing his faith, Brandon's life has changed, sharing his story and encouraging the homeless.

• The author is proud of Brandon for focusing on his relationship with God despite his challenges

• Using his trials as a testimony, this allows God to use him in many ways

• Historical figures like Noah, Moses, and David may have initially doubted their abilities but stepped out in faith when called by God.

Make This Your Day

• Risk enough in your spiritual life to allow God to show up in a big way

• By risking to help those in need, you allow God to show up in your life and the lives of others

• Believe that something remarkable will happen

• Don't have a dream that can be reached on your own, it's probably too small

• Believe in a God-sized dream!