1 Chronicles 15:22  Kenaniah the head Levite was in charge of the singing; that was his responsibility because he was skillful at it. (NIV)

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“The best players play.”

A major college football coach said those words a number of years ago. Some of the biggest-name players on the team spent more time on the bench than on the field. He had been questioned about why that was so, and that’s when he said what he said: “The best players play.” 

What a crazy thought. 

If you are a deep-in-the-weeds kind of baseball fan, you know there are people making $110 million who play over someone who is having a better season for the simple reason that, once upon a time, they were deemed worthy of a $110 million contract. The team is trying to get their money’s worth. 

Two things:
1. No one is worth that kind of money.
2. Winners win by playing winning players.

How would things be different in your place of employment if the best people for the job were doing the job day in and day out?

Here’s another thought: What if you and I performed at the highest level daily, whether or not we have the lead roles? What if our performance elevated everyone else’s performance? What difference would that make? 

It’s a Monday after our granddaughter’s birthday party, and I had a little too much birthday cake, but I do feel good today. I plan to match how well I feel with how well I work. One more cup of coffee, and I think I can pretty much do anything. 

What’s your plan? 

It honors God and blesses others when you and I play like we’re the best players on the field, even when we’re not. 

You’ve heard the old saying that if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re probably in the wrong room. The corollary is if you’re the hardest-working person in the room, you’re probably in the wrong room. Here’s the logical truth that flows out of these two sayings: if you are the smartest person in the room, legitimately, and if you are the hardest working person in the room, legitimately, you’re probably not going to be left in those rooms for very long. 

That’s another way of saying “bloom where you’re planted.” 

It’s time to get growing. 

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I will bloom where I’m planted today and not behave like a blooming idiot. 

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Our Father, thank you for planting me where you have. The soil is rich. The opportunities are limitless. My co-workers are elite. It’s a good day to offer you my highest and best, just as you do me every day in every way. I gratefully receive your good gifts and employ them in a manner that helps people see how good you really are. Empower me to live, work, and play today at a higher level than anyone could ever reasonably expect. Amen.