It’s been almost a year since the day that my cousin Michael died. I woke up that Sunday morning to my mom and sister coming into my room. I could tell by the looks on their faces that something was wrong.

I can remember trying to hold back the tears when my mom told me that Michael had died in a car accident, and I felt anger as I asked God why He would take him from us. Michael was still so young and had much ahead of him; I just didn’t understand.

The day that we buried him I cried out to God demanding answers, but much to my dismay, the answers never came. It took me a long time to trust God with the pain. I tried to bury it all inside so that no one would see the pain.

I came to the point that I realized I needed to let it go and trust God. I might never get answers as to why God took Michael home, but I need to trust that God has a greater plan than what I can see now.

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8

Whether I like to admit it or not, resembling Christ is something that I really struggle with, even in the sports realm. It’s easy to feel like I’m the only one working hard and as a result, begin to be angry. I then have a choice…to act out of anger or to encourage my teammates, recognizing we all work as a team.

I was a volleyball player in high school and many times, in a game or practice, I found myself becoming angry at my team, especially when they just didn’t seem to be trying their best. At times I found myself saying something discouraging that I later regretted.

Looking back, I’ve realized what my responses should have been. These days, as I feel anger rising within, I begin to pray and ask God to help me keep a good attitude. Secondly, I just try to have fun! In all honesty, all that matters is doing my best. Is the game really going to matter in eternity? No, it’s not, but I know my response will matter. Anger will only add tension and then no one will enjoy the game.

1 Corinthians 9:25a says, “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things.” Self-control results in an attitude that will be honoring and glorifying to God.