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David Booth of the Detroit Red Wings answered a few questions for us about his faith and on teamwork.
When and how did you come to realize that your skills and talents are gifts from the Lord?
I dont recall an exact moment where I began to think about this. I do know that God has given us all a gift. He delights in us when we use our gifts to our greatest ability. His standard is far greater than the worlds standard. One of my favorite verses is Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…" I never wanted to look back and say I wish I would have done something more to improve my God-given ability. Another one of my favorite sayings is the pain of regret is far greater than the pain of discipline. Hebrews 12:11 echos this. "No discipline is enjoyable in the moment, but later on however it produces a quiet harvest for those who have been trained by it." God gives us the freedom to choose how we want to live our life and how we use our time. But he does not give us the freedom to choose the consequences from our actions. The consequences are bound to the choice. For some reason there is a platform that comes with playing professional sports. People look up to you without knowing much about you other than your performance during a game. I know that God always has us right where he wants us. There's no doubt that I have played in the NHL because of his power that rests in me. And any chance I've had to make that known, I have tried to convey that message. I dont want to be timid about my relationship with Jesus. I know when I hear other people talk about their faith, it inspires and convicts me to do the same.
How did this realization affect the way you play?
Our careers are always changing, every day whether we realize it or not. We are either getting better or worse. We are maturing or deteriorating. There are tests every day that we face. Some big and some small. It's easier to look at the big events in our career and put the focus on them. But I believe it's what's done in secret that determines what direction you are heading. Romans 12:2 - “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” I'll echo the words of Chuck Swindoll - "I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." God's plan for our life is to prepare us for eternity. To constantly be growing and transforming in Christ's image. No progress is made in comfort. I think the hardest times in my career were the most fruitful.
Could you tell us a bit about teamwork and the importance of team dynamics?
I think teams and teammates are the way God intended us to live. Jesus, the creator of the universe couldn’t do this life alone. He needed a team of disciples. Teams come together in pursuit of one common goal. We always accomplish more together than when we are alone. Teammates are there to keep you level headed. They are there to encourage one another. When that happens, the team feeds of this type of energy and it become almost unstoppable. When you want to do better for someone's cause. That's what love is. Our culture has lost the meaning of love. True love seeks the other persons benefit, not your own. There is no greater feeling than when you are genuinely happy for your teammates success, because this success usually translates into team success. And that goes to accomplish our main goal.
