Be Open, Adaptable, and Free: How saying “yes” can help you discover more of who GOD has called you to be

This upcoming week is a rare one in the sports world.

All four major professional sports are happening at the same time.

NBA and NHL are just beginning
NFL is already a few weeks in
MLB is coming to a close

As a fan, you’re not locked into just one sport.

You have the freedom to choose what you want to watch.

But in life…

It doesn’t always feel that way.

In today’s world, it seems like society is trying to fit us all into a box.

We're told we need to:

Pick one thing
Zero in on it
And pursue it with everything we have

But from my perspective?

That often traps us.

It doesn’t make us free or adaptable.

In sports, we hear it all the time:

Focus on just one sport.

Then within that sport, focus on just one position:

Only be a pitcher
Only be a defensive back
Only shoot corner threes

And for coaches?

It’s the same message:

Stick to your position group—offense or defense
Specialize in one area—O-line, running backs, etc.
Only run one system—Read and React, Spread, etc.

And in life ...

We’re told the same thing:

Choose one career path
Pick one major or field of study
Devote your life to that one thing

But again, from my experience...

That doesn’t free us.

That only isolates us.

It doesn’t help us adapt to life’s ever-changing situations.

What has helped me?

Being open.

Being willing to immerse myself in a variety of experiences.

As an athlete, I tried to learn many positions.

I learned different footwork and different skills.

And it helped me thrive in more situations.

If someone shut down one of my strengths, I still had another way to make an impact.

As a coach, I studied different systems.

So if my main strategy got shut down?

I could spot weaknesses in the other team.

I could adapt and still help my team find a way to score.

In life, I’ve done the same.

Instead of sticking to just one path, I’ve tried to stay open to different areas of study.

That’s helped me discover the interconnectedness of different perspectives.

It’s helped me say yes to:

Volunteer opportunities I never expected
Extracurriculars I wouldn’t have considered
Cultures and customs I once knew nothing about

Openness has freed me

It’s helped me learn more about who I am.

And more about who GOD has called me to be.

So my encouragement to you is this:

Don’t isolate yourself in a box.

Be open
Be adaptable
Let GOD lead you into all the experiences He has for you

In sports, that might mean:

Practicing footwork from other positions
Learning how others play the game
Becoming more well-rounded

As a coach, that might mean:

Studying other positions
Learning different systems
Being ready to adapt when your plan isn’t working

In life, that might mean:

Saying yes to trying something new
Exploring a different activity or art form
Immersing yourself in a new culture
Opening your heart to a new perspective

Through that openness, I’ve become:

More well-rounded
More dynamic
More adaptable

I’ve found new passions GOD placed on my heart.

I’ve walked through new doors GOD opened for me.

Doors I never knew existed.

And I believe the same will happen for you.

As you say yes to new experiences:

GOD will open doors you never expected
GOD will place new desires on your heart
GOD will help you discover more of who you are

And through that whole process…

You’ll experience more of GOD’s divinity.

Athletes and coaches for Christ, I wish you well on your journey of being open to all the gifts and experiences GOD has for you, and I send love, gratitude, peace, and blessings to you!

May GOD inspire YOU every step of your way,

Kyle

Bible Verses:

Sunday, October 19, 2025