Battle at High Noon on Our Home Courts Today
Stardate 12.06.2025
Some mornings arrive with a quiet sense of promise — today feels like one of them.
There’s a trifecta on the schedule: golden-hour storytelling in Mulligan’s Magical Forest, a league match in the Men’s 40+ division to defend our undefeated season, and an evening date with my bride of 36 years. We’re finding a new rhythm in this chapter of life — steady, peaceful, life-giving. And I’m grateful.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what winning really means. Not trophies. Not rankings. Not applause. But the inner victories — the habits we build one day, one choice, one brave step at a time.
Most of us don’t even realize we’re living inside a pattern. Habit after habit.
Some habits move us toward the life God dreams for us…
and others quietly steer us away from it.
For years, I thought I was destined to be a “loser” on the tennis court. I’ve stacked up more losses than I can count. Honestly? My teammates used to tense up when they saw me in the lineup. There was a stretch when it seemed like I couldn’t get a win even if the wind, the sun, and the scoreboard were all trying to help me.
My lowest point came during sectionals several years ago. One of the strongest players on our team wanted me benched. He made his case clearly, and it stung.
I told my captain I’d step aside if it increased our chances — and I meant it.
But my captain stuck with me.
And that vote of confidence lit a fire in me.
The teammate who lobbied to replace me left the team.
And somewhere in the back of my mind, I imagined that maybe one day our paths would cross again… and I’d get to show him how far I’ve come — not with spite, but with gratitude. His criticism became a catalyst. His honesty forced me to grow.
That’s the power of habit.
Winning can be learned.
Losing can be unlearned.
No matter your age. No matter your past. No matter your track record.
The real question is simple:
Which habit are you reinforcing with today’s choices?
If you’re tired of losing — in health, relationships, faith, purpose — today offers a clean slate.
Start small. Start steady.
Start one percent better.
May today bring you a chance to say, “I’m choosing a new way.”
May you live long and prosper.
Have a great day.
Captain’s Addendum
Bones: High noon tennis matches… Michael, remind me again why we’re not napping instead?
Spock: Doctor, the captain is merely engaging in competitive conditioning. It enhances discipline, resilience, and cardiovascular health.
Bones: Resilience? He’s playing against men who treat winning like a second career!
Spock: Precisely why the experience is… educational.
Bones: (grumbling) Educational is one word for it. Personally, I’d choose “hazardous.”
Spock: Illogical. The captain’s improvement curve demonstrates that perseverance is statistically effective. Logic tells me this curve mirrors the deliberate steps taken by Michael's 86yr-old mother which appears to be a solid foundation on which to build maximum health and wellness.
Bones: Fine. Fine. Just don’t ask me to play him or face off with his mother on the pickleball courts. My pride can’t afford it.
Michael’s Reflection:
Their banter reminds me that growth never happens in comfort. It happens when we step onto the court — literal or metaphorical — even when we’re nervous, imperfect, or still learning. God honors the effort. Habits form in the daily showing up, not the grand gestures.
Scripture for the Journey
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
Mission Log
Status: New habits forming. Confidence rising.
Objective: Choose the next one-percent-better step.
Risk Level: Minimal.
Reward Potential: Eternal.
A Closing Thought
Thank you for spending a few moments here. May God strengthen the habits that bring you life, and may He gently unravel the ones that hold you back.
Carry this into your quiet time: “Lord, help me choose the next small step toward the life You’re shaping in me.”
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