The Kansas City Royals: a team that has blown our minds, proven us wrong and given baseball a whole new meaning to this city. The energy at Kauffman, the die-hard spirit of the fans, and the love and success from the team has added so much to KCMO. Here are 10 life lessons that I have learned from the Royals.
1. If you're given a small chance, take it.
Getting the wildcard game in 2014 was the Royals ticket to the World Series. They came, they fought hard and they took advantage of the one small chance they had. Even if you're the underdog and people don't believe in you, believe in yourself and work your butt off. Take chances, you never know where they might take you.
2. You have a purpose.
From little tiny Terrance Gore, to big ol' Billy Butler, you are here for a reason. Do not judge your talent off of someone else, and you cannot set unrealistic goals: humans can't do everything! Your talents are unique to you, and The Lord gave you those talents for a reason. Go out there and do what you are good at. Don't be jealous of others for their talents. You are important to so many people on this team of life.
3. Sometimes you will be in a slump.
Not every single day of your life is going to be perfect. Our Savior tells us this in James 1:2-3: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." You will face trials, struggles and failure. Do not have self pity, look to God and rest in His presence, and you will rise up. Do not let a single bad day tear you down; get back up and show the world what you are made of. If the Royals gave up when they were in a slump, they never would have seen a World Championship.
4. Give the glory to God.
See those kisses (many of the) Royals blow up to heaven? That is displaying their faith on the big stage. Make God visible in your life, show Him off. You cannot do anything without Him, so throw some kisses up to Jesus when you succeed. Do not be embarrassed about your faith, be eternally proud.
5. Love your enemies.
Or in this case, your opponent. Salvador Perez gets on base and wants to have a good time with whoever he is standing next to. Sure, you may not like everyone, but you cannot hate. Embrace people, magnify their strengths, give them a chance and get to know them.
6. Have fun.
Speaking of Salvy, I have never seen a single human have so much fun in whatever situation he is in. Stay a little kid at heart, love the little things, find the positive side, make jokes, laugh a lot, enjoy where you are at the present moment. Life is so good, and we cannot take that for granted. You may not have the people that are on your team this year, next year. Love them and enjoy them while they're here.
7. Stay humble.
Do not think that you are the best thing to ever walk this earth. Give encouragement and support to others and get off the pedestal. If you play the game thinking you are the best, chances are, you're not. Work hard, be confident, but do not be cocky. The Royals do not have a single player that carries the team, they do not have a single player that flaunts his stuff acting like the MVP, they work together and do not want to give themselves the glory. Everyone is equally as important, no matter their skills. You will be recognized for your good work, it may not be today and everyday, but it will happen. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." - Philippians 2:3.
8. This is a team effort.
You will not be able to do life alone. You must stay close and be thankful for your Lord Jesus, family, friends and those "I don't know how or where I met you but you had an effect on my life" kinda people. You cannot try to do everything independently, you need help, you need support, you need love, and you need people. The people in your life are on your team, just as you are on theirs, you must be there to support and encourage them just as they do for you. The Royals can't play without a pitcher, they can't get outs without infielders and outfielders, they can't get on base without hitters, and they can't score without runners. Play as a team.
9. Storms can come at the worst times.
From Edinson Volquez's dad passing away moments before his first pitch in the World Series, to Moose being done for the rest of the season, we see how quickly life can change and adversity can strike. You will face sadness and sickness at terrible times in life, but you must find peace. Life will happen, trust God and His timing. I pinky promise you, He knows what He is doing.
10. Rise up.
Terrance Gore, pinch runner, 5'7'', predominantly a bench player, potential game saver: put in the game in some of the most crucial moments to steal and run faster than anyone. When it is your time to rise up, do it. Work your butt off, do your job and #beroyal.
