All Things Tryouts!!!
Tryout season can test more than your skills — it tests your heart. The nerves. The comparisons. The “what if I don’t make it?” and “am I good enough?” thoughts. In moments like these, peace doesn’t come from knowing the outcome — it comes from trusting God with it. Here’s how to hold onto that peace when the pressure feels overwhelming.
My tryout experience started in middle school when it was time to try out for the cheer team. I felt all the nerves. I remember constantly looking around and feeling the need to compare myself to others. I had the thoughts of “oh, she is way better than me” and “oh, I’ve got this, I’m better than her.” It is extremely easy to get into those mindsets and play the comparison game. But what is most rewarding is when you just focus on you. Focusing on “how can I do better?” and “How can I be the best version of myself?”
Freshman year, I tried out again for the cheerleading team. It was very intimidating. We had to learn the fight song, a few band chants, and a dance, along with showcasing our tumbling and stunting skills. It was a stressful week to say the least. Throughout the week I found myself having so much anxiety and little to no peace. But something that did bring me peace was what my mom told me. She said, “remember who you are and whose you are.” (she still tells me this, to this day!) This helped bring me peace about me making or not making the cheer team, because no matter what I am still God’s child and I am still loved beyond measure.
I have had friends that worked so hard, day and night, and didn’t make the team they were trying out for. In the moment it feels like the end of the world. It feels like God doesn’t see you and it feels like He doesn’t want the best for you, but that is the farthest thing from the truth. He has the best plan for you, a plan that brings Him glory. I can now see, months later, how the Lord was moving through those scenarios and why they didn’t make that team. They have had so many new opportunities that they wouldn’t have had if they made the team.
No matter if you make the team or you don’t, remember who you are and whose you are. Dwell in the fact that you are fully known and fully loved by the God of the universe. So when you feel scared, nervous, sad, angry, happy, or whatever you are feeling, just remember that everything is going to be okay. One last thing to leave you with is this bible verse- "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." -Romans 15:13.
Love you! Sadie Pennington