Recently nearly 160,000 people came together to watch a football game in Bristol, Tennessee. This was a “big deal” as it was the largest attended football game in history, “The Battle of Bristol”. Was there something long lasting to be learned from the game?
In the weeks leading up to the game, the hype and talk were incredible. The Volunteers from the University of Tennessee and the Hokies from Virginia Tech University were analyzed in great detail. All the time and money spent in talking about, and preparing for, the game, was astounding. Regardless of whether this was a wise use of time and resources is another topic for another time, but what can we learn from this football game? What can we store in our brain from this event to trigger a helpful neural-pathway in the future?
Many of the commentators were speculating on the play calling, motivation, coaching, and talent being the keys to success. As I listened to the back and forth, who had the biggest and strongest players? Who had the smartest coaches? Who had the best plays? This sounded like astute analysis for upcoming success in the game.
However, one elderly analyst concluded that the team that demonstrated best, the football fundamentals, would have the greatest success during the game. These football fundamentals included blocking, tackling the ball carrier, catching the ball, and running with the ball. This sounded so obvious. Why weren’t others talking about this? Well, I admit this simple truth was not flashy. The other analysts probably thought they were being paid to make a much more detailed and cerebral comment. The elderly analyst was correct. The team that demonstrated the football fundamentals had the most success during the game.
What can we learn from this? The fundamentals are important for success. Yet, sometimes the fundamentals, sounding so simple, are overlooked. We often assume fundamentals are taking place. This is not always the case. Fundamentals are important in all aspects of life, relationships, learning, stewardship, and even our health.
I discovered four fundamentals of football, blocking, tackling, catching and running. What are four of the fundamentals of health? What are some of the basics for good health that are sometimes overlooked?
Water. We are comprised mainly of water. Water is important for the chemical reactions of the body. Without water, we malfunction. Water, not soda, is a fundamental for health. We need enough water for health.
Movement. Our bodies depend on movement. Without movement our circulation, oxygen supply, metabolism, mobility and structure are altered. We were designed to move and not sit at a computer desk or in front of a television. Movement on a regular basis is another fundamental for health.
Breathing. We were designed to breathe well. Without oxygen the body just does not work as well. How many of us really know how to breathe well, taking in long slow relaxing breaths of oxygen and also breathing out effectively to remove wastes. We are often stressed and in positions where this type of breathing is not accomplished. This sounds obvious but is important.
Worship. What does worship have to do with health you might ask? Well, I believe this is another one of the fundamentals. This, I contend, is the foundation of health. We were designed to worship. In worship we can communicate with the Master Designer. We can receive power to learn about the health fundamentals and make needed changes one step at a time. Scientific studies and even genetic analysis show how worship and the relaxation response change our physiology.
Fundamentals are often overlooked. Sure, there is more involved to health, but this football game made me think about fundamentals. The next football game I watch, I want the neural-pathways linking me back to the fundamentals of health to be activated.
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