PLAY HARD!

The locker room was always a little hyped before a game. It was a time when senses were keen- everyone was a little on edge- We knew we were about to enter conflict- about to be challenged and tested. I so admire athletes- their willingness to risk- to put themselves on the line everytime they step on to the court- their success or failure right there for the world to see. It is such an act of courage to say- this is who I am- this is my best- I hope it will be enough, but even if it is not, I will compete. I wrote it on the board in big letters before every game. PLAY HARD! It is that sense that as a competitor I am completely immersed in playing the game. Every second I am on the court my focus and concentration is on playing the game. It is the state of being totally in the moment and task at hand. In a sense it is a time athletes are more alive- more engaged with life than any other. If you just wanted to watch the game you could come sit by me on the bench. PLAY HARD! It was one of our three keys to vistory- no matter what the final score. A question- What does it mean then to PLAY HARD in this thing called the Christian Life? Is it about following the rules? Is it living up to expectations? Is it accomplished in doing good? No I don't think these are the things Jesus is calling us to. These are all good things, but I don't see myself finding life in these things in the same way the athlete finds so much of his satisfaction in the exultation of competition. No, when I think of PLAY HARD, actually, Jesus' words in John 15 come to mind. "Abide in Me" I love that word," abide"- I get a sense from it of finding myself always in Jesus- of having all my life, thoughts, decisions, actions, desires, plans, hopes, dreams.......... you name it- flowing out of vital relationship with Him. That- I think- is what it means to PLAY HARD in the Christian Life. Father, today move in me to bring my relationship with Jesus to bear on every thought, feeling, word and action that comes out of me. I pray that every relationship I have be grounded in You. Because You are in me Jesus, today I will do my best to be Loving, Encouraging, Hopeful, Faithful and Courageous. Amen.