"The Definition Of Luck"

Udonis Haslim's lucky break!

Shortly after graduating from college the first thing my new manager asked me was did I believe in luck. I said, "I guess I do". We'll... he went on to say that Luck is the corner where opportunity and preparation meet. I've never forgotten those words and they've proven to be some of the most powerful that anyone has ever spoken to me.

Those same words proved to be true for Miami's Udonis Halsem last night. He hadn't played any significant minutes in nearly six months since undergoing surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left foot sustained Nov. 20. He was the spark the Miami Heat needed to even the Eastern Conference finals series at a game apiece.

"He's an absolute championship warrior," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "What he did tonight, it's remarkable. … There was something — a look in his eye. I knew it was time."
While Halsem hadn't been on the floor for the Heat in all of that time however, he continued to drive down the street of preparation. In life we have to always stay on that street. Even though the GPS maybe telling us to turn off onto another street because “Preparation” has too many twists and turns. It may even have an unbelievable incline that seems to be too much to overcome.

Keeping your eyes open for the intersecting street of "Opportunity" is mandatory because it only comes up every now and then. It's important to be prepared when opportunity shows up and Udonis crossed that intersection last night. As a result of being prepared when the opportunity arrived he was able to be successful.

Udonis contributed 13 points, five rebounds and two assists in 23 minutes which don't blow you out of your seat, but they were significant enough to help the Heat even the series. You don't have to be the star to be a winner. It's all about playing your roll in life and being accountable when the team needs you.

Even though Lebron was the man down the stretch to finish with 29 points and Dwyane Wade scored 24 to beat the Chicago Bulls 85-75, Halsem was the X-factor last night. I would bet that he received the game ball after the game.  
Keep in mind folks, this has nothing to do with basketball or sports. This has everything to do with life and living it more abundantly. In order to find success in the world you've got to be willing to prepare yourself for the very few opportunities that will come up in your life.

For six months Udonis prepared himself to play not knowing what God would have in store for him. He remained hungry during his time away from the team and never lost his focus. The word of God says in Proverbs 16:26, "The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on." His appetite allowed him to show up big last night and yours can do the same for you. Be lucky today!

Jay Graves