I Love This Game...

Basketball... I love it. I love most sports, but basketball holds such a special place in my heart. I don't remember not playing and I've been on an organized team since I was 7. For years, I lived it and I breathed it. There's nothing like dribbling down the court, getting someone with a crossover (especially when you're a girl) and making a no look pass to the lane where your teammate catches and scores! It honestly sends an excitment like nothing else. I got to play tonight... and it was awesome. Being on the floor again is one of the most exciting things I can do. I'm realizing that at 24 I'm not quite as young as I used to be. As much as I love the game, watching it on TV, watching live, playing or coaching... how awesome would it be if I could get that excited about reading God's word or about truly knowing Him? Sure we hear the sports analogy of yelling at the football game and sitting in church like it's a funeral... but for those of us that are sports lovers... so much of the game is who we are. Years ago I loved nothing more than being commended for a great game or a great pass. I want to desire being proud of what I do for Christ even more than that. Paul tells us in Philipians to do nothing out of selfish ambition and to think of others as better than ourselves. Sports teach us to make something of ourselves and be a standout. Of course it's not wrong, but sometimes we lose ourselves in doing what gets us noticed. Now don't misunderstand... I'm so competitive by nature and I love to win... but I don't want my desire to compete and win to miss our on the opportunity to live for Christ. I want to love my God like nothing else. I want to think it a privilege to study His word or go to church on a Sunday even more so than playing a pick up game or scoring the winning three-pointer. Of course I will still be back out there next Sunday night... just as excited about getting the chance to play again... but maybe this week in my devotional or when I get the chance to share Christ with someone... it will put that thrill of that game winning shot in the pit of my stomach and maybe bring a little smile to my face.