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Day 2 - Rattled

It’s Hill-Hill…my opponent scratches on the break. With the ball in hand, I look at a fairly easy layout. I run 8 balls to get perfect on the 9. Here it is, if I make the 9-ball, I’m in the money. And what happens? I rattle it…and leave it in the pocket!

The 9-ball isn’t the only thing that’s rattled. I feel a bit unhinged. If I’m honest, I want to drop an “F” bomb. No one would really think much of it. It happens all the time in pool halls. But I am a follower of Jesus. The Lord and I both desire my actions to match my testimony. I will not turn a dogged 9-ball into a dogged witness.

So, I return to my seat. I say nothing. I will take a deep breath and pray that my opponent miscues (kidding). No, when my opponent makes the 9, I will shake his hand, make eye contact, and congratulate him.

The Bible helps us understand the importance of self-control and controlling what we say in heated moments – when we are rattled:

Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
James 1:26 "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, his religion is worthless.”
Psalm 39:1 "I said, 'I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence.”
Play Like Him!