Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.~James1:2-4
Source: Sports Spectrum
Adversity is tough. It creates anxiety in many; others become angry or depressed. Adversity is the valley exposing the weakness we try to hide. At times, it is created by our own poor choices but often it is created by outside forces and persons. And while it makes us feel uncertain and uncomfortable, adversity is not necessarily a bad thing. Adversity can be the very thing to propel us forward.
While watching a recording of the first game of the 1969 Stanley Cup Semi-Final between the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens, one can think about everything a young league had to face . . . all of the reasons it could have thrown in the towel. But these men–99% of them without helmets or visors or masks–are giving their all for a sport they seem to love.
Think of all of the wear and tear on their bodies they had to face to get to the semi-finals. The travel, the low pay, the lack of equipment, the fights, family obligations are just a few things the players would have to face in their journey to win the Stanley Cup. The NHL had the logistical issues to handle, bills and anxiety of filling the respective arenas. Despite currently gaining ground, the NHL has always struggled with its popularity amongst the sports leagues in the United States.
Yet, both the League and the players continued to pursue their dreams. But what if they didn’t? What if Derek Sanderson didn’t have the guts to get sandwiched by two Canadiens in his successful attempt to score the first goal of the game? The League could have folded and we wouldn’t know those wonderful names of Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr or Phil Espisto.
But they didn’t. They faced the adversity and overcame. Or, in the words of Pastor Phillip Mitchell of Victory Church, they continued to rise and build. Adversity like failure is an opportunity. One must focus on the opportunity that adversity provides by focusing on the challenge to be like water–flex, adapt, change and embrace.
The ability to face adversity like one is water allows one to persevere. That perseverance allows one to grow and change the possibilities of the results. It is the opportunity to be the better athlete, league, and more importantly, person.