Education is incredibly important and a blessing. Unfortunately, we sometimes appreciate that only in retrospect and not in the moment. Education can open doors of opportunity. Being skilled in a sport is also a blessing and it can even be a way into universities.

Not everyone who plays a sport will be able to rely on it for scholarships. After all, there are only so many spots to be filled. While this can be disappointing or create fear in athletes, we all have to endure the harsh reality of possible rejection.

While we can't control what other people do, we do have control over the people we chose to be. God can bless us with money, position, talents, or so on. 1 Timothy 6:10 reads, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." We should use the blessing God gives us and love people in return. Yet, many people love things and use people. It clouds their judgment and eventually they end up in places they never imagined, participating in acts they never thought they would. Lest we sit in judgment we need to humbly remember all of our poor choices and how we too can let sin take over.

We need to make sure our thoughts and actions are on the right track daily. Like a spiritual navigation system, we need to follow the leading of God. He's given us a conscience for a reason. If you are tempted to cheat, lie, or manipulate others, do your best to think again.

God wants us to use our talents and accomplishments for His good, not ours. If it's not enough to get into the university of your choice, on the team of your choice, it’s important to know that there will be other doors that open. Stay positive, humble, and righteous as you go through life. God will bless you!