As Good As It Gets?

This is what Australian opening batsman Justin Langer asked himself during his century against England in the 2002 Boxing Day Test. Despite the massive adrenaline rush of hitting a six to bring up 3-figures, Langer realised that even though this is the pinnacle of his sport, it really only lasts for a very short time.

In a conversation with a pastor, he said

"Mate, there's something missing ... I've got everything - I've got a beautiful wife, I've got kids, a big house, beautiful car, nice clothes, plenty of money, but something's missing. I've got a big hole inside and I don't know what it is."

The pastor (who gave him a bible) and Matthew Hayden have helped Langer develop a strong Christian faith. Apparently, Hayden and Langer would sometimes even mark their batting crease with a small cross to focus their mind as they batted. Now, Langer says

"I know so many people who are crying out for something. They think if they become a Christian it means they've got to give up everything, but I love the story of Jesus and I read it a lot. It's not a weight at all, in fact it's the opposite."

[info from "Bright Lights, Dark nights"]

Less is More for NFL Players

We all know the Super-Bowl. In the USA, the best team from each conference (AFC and NFC) play off to determine the champion team.

Less known is the Pro-Bowl. The AFC and NFC each pick their all-star lineup, from the players in their half of the league. The teams compete a week after the Super-Bowl in an end-of-season exhibition match.

Next year the match moves to Florida, leaving its current home in Hawaii. In an article on nfl.com, several players are unhappy about it, and will not participate in the game, even if selected. It's not Florida's a bad place, but it's where these players go "all the time".

Advertising constantly tells us we can have something more, something better or something bigger. But it seems that even free holidays to America's sunshine state can become boring. Not even the opportunity to play in an all-star team can convince them to take up this free trip.

Contrary to the advertising, perhaps it's when we have less, that we actually enjoy it, and appreciate it more.

Hayden's Innings Ends

As you probably know by now, Matthew Hayden has today announced his retirement from cricket - both for Australia and for Queensland.


Much has already been written about this:
Hayden calls time on stellar career
Matthew Hayden: domestic dominator to global giant
Langer hails 'best ever opener' Hayden
Hayden draws stumps

I watched the media conference on tv, and the standout comment was when he paid tribute to his fellow opening batsmen Adam Gilchrist and Justin Langer - and to Australian captain Ricky Ponting. He credits these players with helping him learn about "challenge, strength and companionship".

It also turns out that during his early years (when he was immensely successful for Queensland, but constantly denied a position in the Australian team) Hayden took advice from rugby league coach Wayne Bennett. Simply put - "Don't get bitter, just get better".

This is part of why sport is great. The lessons learnt are not just good for sport - they are also good for life.
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ps. from a replay, i've picked up the exact quote i referred to earlier.

"The partnerships that i've forged have been significant partnerships of life. They've taught me the value of great character, of strength and of companionship. It's been great!"

What Would Hayden Do?

It's never been a secret that Matthew Hayden is a devout Christian. Tracing the shape of the cross on his chest (to celebrate scoring a hundred) made sure of that.


He recently told Brisbane News that "When I'm in trouble it's always something to think about. I ask myself What would Christ do in this situation?".

Despite his best efforts, Hayden (like all of us) still doesn't match up to that sort of standard. Does that make him bad? I just think it means that he's not God (no matter how many centuries he scores).

Fortunately, God doesn't require us to be completely perfect. Apparently, that's part of the reason for Jesus - and the cross that Matt Hayden so often illustrates. But it's good to wanna be more like Jesus - the same way many cricketers wanna be more like Matt Hayden.

Loyal Lockyer

There's been a bit of talk recently about rugby league players taking up various offers, either overseas or in rugby union - even if it means breaking a contract. Even if it means deserting the team part way through a season. Why would someone do this? Often the reason is cold hard cash ... and lots if it.

So it's very refreshing to see a player who is not led around like a dog on a lead by the person with the biggest cheque-book. Last week, Darren Lockyer broke the record for the most games played by a Brisbane Bronco player (298, if you were wondering).


Arguably the best player in the world, he was asked if he would ever consider an offer from rugby union.

Rugby league has given me so many great things and this club has as well ... There might be an opportunity out there to make a bit more money but I feel like I owe the club and the game plenty ... I'm not going to go and leave the game to clear a bigger cheque.

For mine, the ability to see life beyond the dollar signs, makes Lockyer a star person as well as a star player.

Olympic Excitement

Read an article about the mental processes that athletes go through during their training - in the hope of winning gold at the Olympics.

It was an article in Christianity Today (of all places) and it compared the situation to that of a Christian - with one important difference. The Christian's hope is based on God, rather than on our individual strength or speed.

Justin Langer on "Luck"

This week i was reading Justin Langer's book. In it, he re-tells a fictional story (i guess if it was in the bible it would be called a parable) about a farmer's luck.

I thought it re-emphasised that often things that happen are just things. As the farmer says, "who is to say if it is good luck or bad luck?"