The first week in July marks the midpoint of the current year. Know what that means? Folks, That means it’s HALFTIME! Time to take inventory of the last 6 months of your life. How have you impacted your list of goals for the year? Have you reached some? Forgotten about others? Did you miss the mark? Or have you hit your targets spot on?
If you’re not mindful, you can run an entire race without having a destination or goal in mind. See, without a goal:
- How will you measure your progress?
- How will you know when to course-correct?
- How will you filter/evaluate the alignment of your actions?
Habakkuk 2:2 says . . .
And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by. For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day. [Heb. 10:37, 38.] –Habakkuk 2:2-3 AMPC
The wonderful thing about halftime is, you have as much time ahead of you, as you have had behind you, with one remarkable difference. The difference is: You are going into the second half with all the experience and knowledge that you didn’t have in the first — about yourself and your opposition. So, for today’s conversation:
Name 3 lessons you’ve learned about yourself, your opponents, or your race in general during the first half of this year’s race to destiny. I’ll go first. I’ve learned . . .
- The bigger the goal, the more intense the distractions
- Never underestimate the power of diligence
- Don’t be afraid to run an ugly race
What are you going to do, now? Before you answer, let’s look at the three things that generally happen during halftime:
1. THE GAME CLOCK STOPS / PLAY IS SUSPENDED
Every athlete, no matter the score of the game, can appreciate when the clock stops. A stopped clock puts the game on “pause.” A smart player will take advantage of that time to change jerseys, rehydrate, mentally rehearse the next play and/or discuss strategy with teammates and coaches. Remember this: A stopped clock pauses the game, but not your productivity.
What’s the equivalent of a stopped clock in your life? A stopped clock in your Race to Destiny may translate into a vacation, an extended weekend or brief getaway to break up your daily routine. It may mean, a hiatus from a relationship; distance from a routine or fasting a habit or practice. This interruption is necessary to maintain your mental sharpness and help you regroup to stay true to your life’s goals and objectives.
2. TEAMS HEAD TO LOCKER ROOMS
The locker rooms are usually a significant distance from the court, the field, or wherever the actual game is played. The physical distance provides a mental distance to allow objective review of the first half. In the locker room, just as it should be on your vacation, getaway, hiatus, etc., 4 things should occur:
Restoration
You rest, relax, rehydrate, refresh, recharge. This is time to pour into yourself. There is a rest for the people of God –Hebrews 4:9-16
9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Evaluation
Confirm what’s working for you in the game/your life and continue doing it. Also, acknowledge what’s not working for you, and adjust it.
Motivation
Usually the coach, team captain or other key person takes on this role. They remind you of how hard you’ve worked; how gifted you are; how much potential you have and what’s at stake. They tell you to dig deeper. Sometimes, you must encourage yourself. You know you’re a champion, now it’s time to GO OUT THERE and prove it to everyone else!
Concentration
Now, the adrenaline begins to flow again and your body prepares to re-engage. Your eyes widen, your pupils dilate and your heart beats faster. You’re pumped up and reenergized. Soon it will be GAME ON again.
3. THERE’S A HALFTIME SHOW
Entertainment also takes place on the field/court during halftime. Sometimes there are cheerleaders, giveaways, local talent or, in the case of major league or professional sporting events, rock stars and recording artists. Remember this: The entertainment is designed for the spectators, not the players. If you’re distracted by the performances and have a tendency to get caught up in the beat, instead of playing the game, you might belong in the stands. Some people make things happen, others watch the people that make things happen. Think about it. But for now, as halftime comes to an end, the game is about to resume.
So the bell rings, the break ends or the vacation is over and, with renewed tenacity, you head back toward the field, the court, your business, your studies or your job.
This is it. You’ve just entered the second half of your 2024 Race to Destiny. You look at the names on the jerseys of your opponents. You’ve encountered each one: Procrastination, Distraction, Fear, Doubt, and Indifference. They’re no match for you. You’ve assembled a team of your own. Your teammates’ jerseys bear the names: Now, Focus, All, Courage and Faith. You’ve also got Humility and Love as your secret weapons. All of them are with you to hold you up, back you up, lift you up and even help you up, if necessary. Believe me, you’ve got what it takes to get ‘er done. It’s the 2024 Race to Destiny. Now, take what you’ve learned and use it to embrace your future, stake your claim and take full possession of your extraordinary life.
