day 347: Spring Training

I usually mark the year by business quarters and certain external events that make it clear where we are in the calendar year. Some of these actually set the tone and attitude for how we approach our lives and work. One of those for me is baseball's Spring Training. A few days ago, major league teams had their pitchers and catchers report to spring training camp. This always says to me that spring is just around the corner and it is time to take an assessment of how the year is going so far as I know the first quarter will end soon and it will be time to plan for how mid-year will shape-up. It's strange, but as soon as I know that the pitchers and catchers have reported and headed west or south, that it is time to be doing my own spring tune-up. Business is the same way as we close and start financial quarters. It is early in the year where the spring training analogy is so strong. Billy Martin, the New York Yankee and Yankee Manager in the 1970's used to day; "The World Series is won or lost in spring training". What he meant was that how the team worked, or didn't work in spring training would determine the team's possibility of playing in the World Series that year. That was far-forward thinking and an understanding of the importance of preparation, discipline and team-building. It is in spring training that much of the hard work is done. Pitchers and catchers reporting early also reinforces how the heart of the team needs to prepare first and most to be ready for the rest of the team when they show up. The verse in Matthew 12:34 that we used yesterday is relevant to this approach as well. Jesus says; "...For whatever is in your heart determines what you say". Our heart is where the pitching and catching happens and how we prepare there determines all of the outcomes. As we enter spring training, it is a good time to take an assessment of how you are holding up and standing strong to work your purpose. If you are struggling (and don't we all) then the place to start with spring training is in our hearts. The end of our careers and full life is the World Series. Everyday is our spring training; preparing, readying, and disciplining ourselves for the season ahead. Today, ask your heart to report to your own spring training!

Reference: Matthew 12:34 (New Living Testament)