Every season I receive some great stories through our Upward Sports Leagues, and I receive some not so great stories. But this past week was a success!
We have now been playing soccer for over 4 weeks. Practices are going good, games are developing nicely, and the skill development is becoming more noticeable each week. I have been in tune to one particular player throughout the season. She is a four year old girl who is playing organized sports for the first time. When a four year old signs up, you have to understand that some may be enthusiastic about playing and others maybe a enthusiastic, but bashful. She falls on the enthusiastic but bashfull side. Every week she comes to practice and cheers her team on while practicing with her parent on the sideline. Though she is not fully engaged on the playing field, she is still doing drills on the side having fun. The same is true during the games, she loves putting the uniform on and cheering alongside her teammates. Each week with anticipation I look forward to seeing how far she will go in terms of staying on the playing field rather practicing on the sideline. And each week brings a little more time and comfort.
Well, this past Saturday, as usual, she arrived for her game dressed in her uniform ready to cheer her team. However, for whatever reason, she was not only enthusiastic, but was ready to actually play on the field. And that she did! She participated in the whole game and loved it. Following the game I received a text message from her parents saying that on the way home she was cheering the words "way to go me" and singing "Jesus Loves Me." It was a big s day for her!
I couldn't help but think of a phrase used in spiritual discipleship that says,"If you want to walk on water, then get out of the boat." Much like this little four year old, you and I are enthusiastic about our faith and trust in Christ. But we are also bashful. There are things that God has asked us to be a part of in terms of service and discipleship in our Christian walk. Often our response is to hang out on the sideline and watch others or just contribute a little bit of our time or giftedness. All the while missing the joy of complete participation. Like our little soccer player, when we finally step out in the areas Christ asks us to participate in, do we experience that great victory and joy that only comes after obedience. Go ahead, step out there.
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