Did you see this tweet from ESPN’s Pedro Gomez at the end of last week? It’s a picture of David Ross, catcher for the Atlanta Braves, overseeing a race with his two children shortly after the Braves loss to the Cardinals in a Wildcard Playoff Game. A game that was controversial because of a bad call by the umpires- and because of the reactions of the fans in Atlanta.

Ross, on the losing end of the game, went out a made time for his children. I imagine he was upset and disappointed. He had just played an entire season and it ended much more abruptly that I think he would have liked. I have no idea what he did when he went home. But what a great picture of priorities and keeping life in perspective.

The Braves fans, on the other hand, forgot what it appears that David Ross knows- It’s a game. It’s entertainment. It’s a diversion. It looks bad for the city of Atlanta when their fans shower the field with trash like the tantrum of a 3 year old.

There was a similar fan response this weekend in Kansas City when the Chief’s quarterback, Matt Cassel went down with an injury. While on the field hurt, the hometown fans cheered that he was injured. Again, showing a lack of class and a lack of perspective on the things that matter. Teammate, Eric Winston, called out the hometown Chiefs fans for cheering the injury of Cassel- and he was right on. It is sickening.

Our response to life comes down to our ability to keep things in perspective. Baseball and football are just games. They are to be enjoyable- but not to the point of bringing misery or completing our lives. The same can be said about other diversions in life. Perspective helps us remain content with our lives and not spending too much time in dreamland wishing we had a different life. I think the Apostle Paul set a good example for us to follow when he writes:

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content inane and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can to all things through him [Christ] who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)

Paul found contentment in every situation- through Christ who strengthened him. Contentment is found by keeping life in perspective- focusing on what is really important.

How do you keep life in perspective? Especially when life gets crazy? What helps you do this?