Last year was one of those seasons. If you haven't experienced a losing season (and I mean one with way more losses than wins), then buckle up because it most likely happens to us all.
It started off light. The losses were just a few points, within reach, but they couldn't quite finish. And, for my coach, at least, those ones are harder to get over than the blowouts.
It stalls for a little bit. You get a few wins, but they come from teams with no business playing you. So, it really doesn't do much for the morale.
Then things tick up a notch. You lose to a ranked opponent, long-time rival, or both.
The parents start talking.
The fans start questioning.
The players start to lose hope.
And then, it feels like there's a point of no return that has been crossed.
The chemistry is skewed. The coaches start questioning themselves. The players start blaming each other. The bleacher coaches start to talk a lot louder.
It feels almost impossible to keep the faith. And it's unbearable to continue showing up.
When something difficult or overwhelming happens, like a losing season so severe that the most positive person you've ever met (my coach), who can and will find a solution to any and every insurmountable problem he faces, doesn't feel like soldiering on, music is the only thing that can start to heal the heart. It's the only thing that helps me find the words I can't conjure up on my own.
I wish Forrest Frank had released this song so I could have had it when I needed it. But I want to share it with you now, for when you experience a season like we just did.
"Don't stop now. There's more to life than what you got right now. I know you're 'bout to fall apart right now, but God is with you in the ups and downs."
These words are so simple, but the truth in them speaks volumes.
Even though one of these seasons can feel like it lasts a lifetime, don't stop. It will come to a scheduled end.
Don't lose focus on the fact that this lifestyle and our lives in general are about much more than the record. There is still an impact and influence to be made. There is still happiness and beauty in other areas.
It's okay if you fall apart. I definitely did. Just make sure you have enough people in your corner who understand you enough to help put you back together.
And please, do not forget this most important point. God is with you. He is the God of the mountain AND the valley. He is in it with you. Actually, during this time, He's probably carrying you. But when we've experienced similar challenging stretches, He was also working. We couldn't feel it, see it, or understand it while we were walking through it.
But eventually, we realized how it was for our protection, for our benefit, or for our growth.
So promise me this: if and when you experience something similar, don't stop. Keep the faith and know that God is with you in the ups and downs.
If you don't quit, eventually, that down will turn up.