See It?

Posted on July 18, 2013 by day1of1

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. – Acts 9:1-4, 17-19

Most people are familiar with Fed Ex; a global courier company based out of Memphis, Tennessee. Since it was founded under the name Federal Express in 1973, their company’s mission has been to provide customers a faster way of shipping items around the world. As a child, I remember seeing some of their first television ads suggesting that theirs was the courier to use, “when it absolutely, positively, has to get there overnight.” Back then their logo looked a little something like this…

FederalExpress

As time moved on many people became too busy to pronounce whole words. Federal Express decided to streamline their name and their brand by becoming known as Fed Ex. This shorter, faster name came with this new logo…

fedex-main

Because your logo represents your brand image, many companies want to develop a logo which tells their company’s story. Fed Ex does this very effectively, albeit subtly. Upon first glance, the logo just says, FED EX. But look past the letters at the white space between the E and the X and you will see an arrow. This arrow tells you about their company; forward moving, fast, on the go. Now some of you might see this and think that’s just a coincidence – something that someone with too much time on their hands figured out and posted on their Facebook account. Now that all may be true, but the arrow in the logo is in fact is an intentional design by the company, as proven in this photo of a FED EX truck from the Middle East.

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So why am I offering you this lesson in marketing and advertising? It’s to make a simple point. Maybe you already knew about the arrow embedded in their logo. Maybe this was the first time you ever noticed it. But either way, once you’ve identified it, that blank space becomes the central focus of the logo, making it more prominent than the letters that produce it. Now that you’ve seen it, you will never NOT see it again.

Thinking about all of this draws me to some obvious comparisons to Christians living in our world today. Our world is filled with people who look at Christianity; the existence of God, the resurrection of Christ, and the faith that guide the lives of believers as lunacy. “Why would anyone with half an ounce of brains in their head believe in silly stories told to children and simpletons to explain what science can now theoretically prove?” And while this attitude may frustrate and discourage believers, the one thing we should not be is surprised by it. Paul makes it plain in 1 Corinthians 1:18 when he says, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” And when you think about the story of Paul’s conversion as he travelled to Damascus in pursuit of Christians, it makes sense that he more than anyone would understand the idea that those who don’t see it, won’t see it. What we must do is trust that God is leading us to stand up under the attacks of a world that is less tolerant and accepting of Christians and continue to speak boldly the truths we know so that God may use our words to open the eyes of those to whom we have been called to help.

But there is another connection I see with the logo. When you first noticed the arrow in the logo, you were probably surprised that you had never seen it before. And since this logo was first unveiled back in 1993, that might make you feel a bit silly at how transparent it has been for so many years. Sadly, the same can be said about many Christians today. How many of us identify ourselves as Christian but keep our faith as subtle and hidden as the FED EX arrow? This describes many people who grew up in the church, have always been connected with the body of Christ, but are simply going through the motions for the sake of tradition without allowing the Holy Spirit to work inside of them. For these people we pray that they will open their hearts and their lives to the Lord so that He would be made obvious in everything they do – at work, at home, with family, with friends, and everywhere in between.

May God strengthen and preserve us all to wear our faith in such a way that others will never NOT see it ever again.

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Counting Sheep

Posted on July 10, 2013 by day1of1

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. – John 10:14-15

I have been blessed by God to have been an educator for nearly 20 years. Over that time, I have had the pleasure of serving as a teacher, coach, principal and professor to hundreds of students; each one a special creation of God. It is an honor to know that as God created these men and women, He knew that He would use me to help develop them into the people Him designed them to be. Like Christ in John 10, I have been put into the role of a shepherd; tasked with the responsibility to help prepare the next generation of Christian men and women. But as I have reflected on Christ’s words, I have come to the realization that I am not the shepherd I always thought I was.

shepherd and sheep

A shepherd cares for his flock, working hard to care for the sheep’s every need. He leads them to water and food. He keeps them together and protects them from any predator who wishes to attack. Educators do similar things: working hard to care for the needs of their students. They provide instruction, correction, encouragement, and protection. Both the shepherd and the teacher strive to see their charges thrive and grow to their fullest potential. But here is where the similarities end because the shepherds simply cannot do what we must.

We are not shepherds. Shepherds will raise their lambs into sheep that will know His voice and follow it all the days of their lives. We teach our children to grow into adults who will know the voice of God speaking to them. Shepherds protect their sheep their whole lives. We are required to let go, allowing our children to step into the roles for which they had been created. I have done this for twenty years and have seen God richly bless those efforts. My former students are now artists, teachers, pastors, soldiers, musicians, barbers, and businessmen to name a few. They have matured, married, and have begun raising children of their own. In these new roles, they have completed the transition from having been sheep under my care into shepherds leading flocks of their own.

This is something no real shepherd could ever do. Sheep can’t become shepherds. They can only be sheep because that is what God created them to be. But before I celebrate my accomplishments too much, I am reminded that the only reason my sheep could become shepherds was that they too have become what God created them to be. Our role, whether big or small, was ordered by the One who knows all, who controls all, and who makes all things as they should be to fulfill His holy purposes and will.

Let us always give thanks and praise to God for sending us His Son, our Good Shepherd, who laid down His life that we might live forever in the splendor that is our Heavenly home. But until that day when we receive our reward, may we be about our business of transforming sheep into shepherds through the power of God.

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Who’s Driving?

Posted on June 27, 2013 by day1of1

Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. – 2 Corinthians 4:1-9

Following the news and reactions through social media over the past few days have prompted many to speak about the future of our country and the path of mankind. Many are celebrating the changes that we are making; comparing them to other historically significant decisions regarding the human rights and lifestyle choices. Many are also growing wary of changes that stand against Biblical principles and longstanding ethical beliefs. These two views create no shortage of discussion, debate and discord, and in the middle of it all I am reminded of two simple truths to which I hold.

1. Change is not always comfortable, but it is not new. Many people like to say how our society is heading down a path toward destruction. I don’t know if that’s true or not. It seems to me that everything in the world is temporary. We produced thousands of new cars last year – all of which are heading toward the car crusher sooner or later. The beautiful plants in my yard will end up in a yard waste bag at the curb this fall. Even my body, sitting here constructing this post will eventually die and decompose. This is the direct result of sin entering our world in the Garden of Eden. Things God designed to last have been tainted and will perish – in the natural. What is established today will be forgotten tomorrow.

We’ve changed things – a great many things and many of those changes stand in opposition to God’s word and commands. This is exciting for those who disregard the Bible in their attempt to know God. This frustrates other Christians who strive to follow Scriptural teachings in their lives. But to those people I offer the words of 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” People who don’t accept the gospel can’t see it, so why should we be surprised with decisions made by leaders who don’t believe what the Bible teaches?

So what do we do about it? That leads me to my second point.

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2. God is in control: always has been, always will be. We may think that as a people, we are running the show, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We are like the young child “driving” the car. In our minds, we’re driving when in truth we are merely sitting on our Father’s lap gripping a wheel that He is steering where we can’t see it and controlling pedals we can’t even reach. People who believe they are running things without God’s presence will not be convinced otherwise unless God chooses to make it clear. People who believe God is in control need not fear because God, in fact, IS in control. God is not abandoning us – He paid too high of a price in sacrificing His Son for us – for all of us, including those people who don’t know or don’t listen to Him. So our reaction must be to follow God’s word, especially as He presents it in verses 6-7: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God ]

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Believe it.

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Fishing with Dad

Posted on June 16, 2013 by day1of1

The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. – Proverbs 23:24

It’s Father’s Day weekend, so I decided the best way to celebrate the occasion would be to spend time with my dad doing something we both enjoyed: fishing. We got up early this morning, even though we’d only recently gone to bed the night before. Why is it that worms can’t be more considerate of my schedule and let me catch them earlier in the evening? Of course, we could buy the bait, but dad never wanted to spend money for something he had in rich supply in the backyard. “If you think about it,” he said, “the price of worms per pound would probably make them one of the more expensive meats on the market.” There was wisdom and truth in that comment, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to think about it in those terms.

On the bright side, our early start and money saved did allow us to splurge for a cup of coffee on the way. Dad doesn’t understand my need for cream in my coffee, but thankfully he doesn’t hassle me about it – a true privilege that comes from being the heir to his fortune. Properly caffeinated, we are ready to fish.

Fishing-Poles

We have several spots we like to fish, but today we chose a spot in a park in Freeland. Dad’s leg is bugging him a bit this morning, so we thought the park would be more comfortable and easier to access. Plus this spot along the Tittabawassee River is usually good for catching a wide variety of fish, assuming we’d catch anything at all. We settled into our spot, baited our hooks, including “mom’s” fishing pole with a Smoky-Link sausage and began our quest.

As we waited for the first bite of the morning, we started to talk. We’d never admit this out loud, but I think this is the real reason we both drag ourselves out of bed and drown worms in an attempt to convince fish to bite our hooks. I dominated the conversation today. I told him about the kids’ report cards: Wesley’s success in his master’s of library science program and Emma’s 4.125 GPA. I could see he was proud of them. Too many people thought my dad wasn’t book smart, so he’s especially proud of the academic successes of his grandkids.

As I finished telling him about the kids, he quickly raised his pole to set the hook on what he hoped to be the first fish of the day. As he reeled in his line he didn’t feel a fish tugging, but as the hook came into view we laid our eyes upon the first fish of the day: a 3” long perch. Dad is notorious for catching fish so small they would be considered bait in most aquariums, let alone a river. I laughed as he carefully removed the hook and sent junior back home to his mom. Dad laughed as I handed him his quarter for catching the first “fish” of the day.

We returned back to waiting and talking. He asked me about my job and I shared with him my frustrations with the merger and some recent decisions. He listened without jumping in to tell me what to do. Dad’s not a quick-fix guy and I appreciate that about him. He shared with me some stories of incompetent bosses he’d dealt with over the years while working for the city and encouraged me to hang in there. The one bit of advice he did give was to find a path toward a job where I could become my own boss. We talked more about those possibilities until he landed another fish – this time a nice 9” channel catfish. He’s up by two now, so I’d better shut up and start fishing.

And so the rest of the morning continued in much the same fashion. We talked about family, politics, baseball, and anything else that came to mind. I did start catching a few fish, and by the time the alarm on my phone went off, I had caught four fish to go along with his five (4.2 fish if you accurately value that first perch). I shut off the alarm, thinking about what a fantastic day of fishing we had shared. Then I rolled over, kissed my wife good morning and got out of my bed.

It’s been nearly 20 years since my father passed away and not a day goes by where I don’t miss his presence in my life. I’d give anything to have just one more morning of fishing with him. Despite our best efforts at planning, our lives lead us down paths that we simply cannot map out. My path afforded me 36 years with my dad. Some get more time while others get much less. So while there is nothing any of us can do to increase the length of time, we can all work to increase the quality of that time. If you are able, connect with your dad on this Father’s Day. Thank him for being the man of integrity God desired you to know. And if that gift is now gone, be still and thank God for the memories of love, leadership, and lessons learned.

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Whom Shall I Fear?

Posted on May 28, 2013 by day1of1

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident. – Psalm 27:1-3

Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to work in many different jobs. I have taught at every grade level from first through eighth. I have been a coach and athletic director. I spent two years as the youth director for my congregation and five years as the principal of a Pre K – 8 Lutheran school. For the last five years, I have been a program coordinator for Concordia University in Ann Arbor, and long before any of this, I spent four summers driving the train at the Saginaw Children’s Zoo (ok, that last one is a bit of a non sequitur, but it’s also probably the most interesting).

That’s a lot of different jobs to have held over an approximately 20 year timespan, leaving me to wonder why I’ve changed hats so often. It could be lots of things, but one possible reason was quite memorably presented to me one day by Joel, a parent at the school where I was principal.

I was in the middle of a conversation one day with another parent who was inquiring about my work background. In the middle of my answer, Joel walked up, listened to the long list and without missing a beat finished my sentence by saying; “And we will eventually find something Rich is good at.” His line left me speechless (a rarity). It was funny and we laughed about it. It was a perfectly timed jab. I took no offense to the comment as none was intended (today Joel denies having ever said it, but my good memory and desire to get even assures me he did). But I could have very easily let my mind run wild with that comment. What does he mean? Do people think that? Am I effective? Do I matter?

I share all of this to bring up a rather simple topic: failure. Failing is something we all experience from time to time in every area of our lives. We fail to hear the alarm and oversleep. We fail to see the child’s toy he failed to pick up and we trip. We fail to see the police officer as we’re failing to follow the speed limit. We fail to prepare for the meeting that we failed to put on our calendar. We fail to grab our lunch as we leave the house (I hope I didn’t just describe your morning today). Failed investments, failed marriages, failed plans, a failed diet, failing to meet occupational objectives, etc…

failure

So we get it: we all fail. But what I find more intriguing is how we react to it. Some of us get angry or frustrated and channel those emotions into improvements. Some of us grow upset and frantically work to fix whatever problems our failures have created. But some people use those feelings of doubt and failure to retreat, to back away and to avoid the situation that made them feel so uncomfortable. Over time, this will leave that person feeling they are undesirable, incapable of success, or simply put – a failure. Maybe this feeling only appears in one area of your life, but job related stress will impact your mood at home and vice-versa. Frustration in one area will leave you less patient to deal with struggles in another. And so the cycle begins.

We must strive to avoid the pitfalls of failure by refusing to allow ourselves to be lured into Satan’s trap. If failure is shared among all of humanity, where is the fear? It’s the seed of doubt planted into our minds by an enemy wanting to distort what God is trying to do in our lives. God will take us to places we find uncomfortable to stretch us, to build us up for something He has pre-destined. With our trust in Him, we can use those moments to propel ourselves forward. When our trust is replaced by worry, we lose focus, direction and confidence. Or to borrow an analogy from Tim Elmore, we take what God provided for us to be a stepping stone and turn it into our tombstone.

Fear not. No trial you face will ever separate you from the greatest support you have. God has designed you for something greater. No misstep, miscalculation, or mistake will change who you are in the eyes of God, nor will it prevent you from fulfilling the destiny He has created you to achieve. You are worth more than a bad decision or a missed opportunity. So don’t panic in the face of opposition, rejection or pain. Seek the face of the God who brought you to it to carry you through it because He will renew it.

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Trust Issues

Posted on April 20, 2013 by day1of1

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, or will cease from yielding fruit. – Jeremiah 17:7-8

Trust is a funny thing. Trust is something that everyone strives to find, but for as many people who search for it there seem to be an equal number of sources providing it. Some people trust in science to provide them with answers. Others trust intellect and the rewards that come from learning. Some trust in their own physical strength and toughness to deliver them through hard times. Others trust in the relationships they have built with family and friends to help them solve problems through communication and networking. To a degree, all of these things are good and trustworthy; but only to a degree. There are clear and obvious limits to each of these things. Science can’t fully explain everything that happens. Intellect extends only as far as the learner’s studies have allowed. Physical strength diminishes over time or can be lost in an instant. Other people have independent ideas which can make them inconsistent and unavailable. The moral of the story: we can’t trust any of these things for everything we need.

So where do we turn? For believers the answer is obvious. We turn to our God who has promised us that He would provide for our every need. Psalm 91 provides a clear explanation of the power of God to defend and protect us from anything Satan and the world can throw at us. What’s more: this is not just some panic button we hit when things get too hard for us to handle. It’s a constant source of strength and protection that we live under every moment of our lives.

Some scoff at the idea of trusting in God because they don’t believe in His existence. It’s easy to see why people might feel that way. The world offers up many reasons that God isn’t real, isn’t powerful, isn’t relevant. But considering we’ve already exposed the world and its ideas as untrustworthy, why would this be any different? Satan thrives on the lie that we can do this on our own without God’s help. Don’t trust anyone but yourself. But you know yourself better than anyone. You know your weaknesses, shortcomings and fears. Can you accomplish everything you need to live here and now, let alone for an eternity in heaven?

There’s no reason to doubt the Lord. He created us, so He knows who we are and what we need. He didn’t give up on us in spite of our sin, but chose to sacrifice His Son, Jesus Christ, to make right the relationship we destroyed. He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in and among us so that we would be given the faith we need to believe and the hope in Him needed to sustain us as we live lives of devotion to Him.

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Consider the tree from Jeremiah 17. Planted by the waters, it has no worries when temporary weather and climate changes come. These things are a natural part of life that would devastate plants lacking sustenance. But because the tree was planted with a direct connection to the life-giving water, its survival is certain. There is no need to worry or doubt. Because the tree is so strong, other creatures will come to it to benefit from its health. And when the others discover the water that gives the tree life, they too will learn to trust in the source of life for themselves. God will use your faith to build faith in others, giving them peace, hope, and joy through faith and trust in the Him.

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” ― Corrie ten Boom

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In A Handbasket

Posted on April 18, 2013 by day1of1

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. – Isaiah 54:10

Historians will readily note that 1968 was one of the most tumultuous years in our country’s history. I was born a few years later, so I didn’t experience this first hand. But from conversations with people who lived through it and from my studies in history classes, I can appreciate the struggles and sacrifices we made as our nation experienced tremendous changes.

1968

Consider the social issues that the nation faced over segregation and civil rights. Add to that the heated debate raging throughout the country over America’s military involvement in Vietnam. 1968 was the year of a presidential election so contentious that the incumbent President, Lyndon Johnson, decided not to seek re-election. Finally, we saw senseless violence through the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and presidential candidate, Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Riots broke out in many cities across the nation leaving dozens dead, thousands injured, property damaged, and local economies ruined.

I find myself thinking about 1968 as I consider the state of our nation today: Bombings in Boston, explosions in Texas, toxins being mailed to our elected officials, Washington politics hopelessly deadlocked in partisan feuds, gun control arguments raging, an abortion doctor’s tale of malpractice and murder, a decade-long military conflict yet unfinished, a potential new enemy making threats, even the weather has been nothing short of bizarre. Some might say that society is on the brink. It sure feels like we’re at the edge of a cliff, standing on ice and banana peels while wearing roller skates. It’s frustrating, disheartening and makes you scratch your head and wonder what could possibly be coming next.

Probably the way many people felt back in 1968.

So if things were so bad back then, why didn’t we go over the edge and meet our demise? As society continues to move ever closer to self-destruction, we need to be reminded that in spite of what more and more people believe, we are living in a world that was created, sustained and will be ultimately delivered by a God who is bigger than any catastrophic event our sinful hearts can devise. He tells us in Jeremiah that He knows the plans that He has for us – plans to prosper, not harm. Plans offering two things that we need now more than ever: hope and a future.

Maybe your struggles hit closer to home. Is your marriage is under attack? Are your children failing at school and hanging with the wrong crowd? Did your boss inform you that you have no future with the company? Was the doctor’s diagnosis grim? Cling to the promises brought forth in the word of God, empowered by the grace that comes from the death and resurrection of our Savior. It doesn’t matter how long it’s been or how bad things have gotten, God’s power is limitless, His love is unfailing and He is waiting there for you, for all of us, to deliver us away from the precipice and to deliver us to peace, joy, and salvation.

Stay strong in the face of every trial, confident in the knowledge that your future is assured in the power of the Lord.

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Dear Bill

Posted on April 16, 2013 by day1of1

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world – John16:33

Martin

There are some things in life that we simply can’t imagine. I believe that God has gifted us in the way He created us to prevent our minds from allowing us to think about certain things that would be too painful to carry. Sadly, our sinfulness has changed the world in which we live, so we are forced to experience these things from time to time. But still, how curious it is that without these events we would be unable to bring ourselves to imagine such things.

I offer this thought in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing that at latest report has left three people dead and injured more than 170 others. As I think and pray about this horrific tragedy, my thoughts and prayers turn to one man: William Richard. I don’t know him and will probably never meet him, but I am sending up prayers for him as if he were my brother. As a competitor in the marathon, Bill was reaching the latter stages of the race; so close in fact, that his wife and two children had come to the finish line to wait for him, to give him a hug and to celebrate his accomplishment. It was just before 3:00 in the afternoon when this moment of joy would be stolen, only to be replaced with fear, pain and loss.

I’ve seen the video of the explosion – the blast knocking down runners and spectators in the area. I’ve seen the images of some running away in confusion while others ran toward the victims to offer aid. I can imagine both of those responses: uncertainty taking some to escape and compassion leading others to help. What I can’t imagine is the moment when Bill Richard came to realize what had happened to his family. Just reading the news report made me cringe: his wife Denise hospitalized with serious head injuries, his six year old daughter hospitalized after losing a leg in the blast, and his eight year old son Martin whose injuries took his life.

I sit here and try as I might, I can’t begin to imagine what he’s feeling – if he’s feeling anything at all. And while I am thankful that God has blessed me with two wonderful, healthy children to raise, to love, and to hold dearly to my heart, I can’t help but feel a certain weight that I share with my brother who has paid so dearly a price in the most senseless of attacks.

I can offer no rationale or explanation other than the sin that permeates our world. Unfortunately, that is enough to cause such an unfathomable act. Likewise, I can offer no solution or comfort other than what is found in the promises of God. Fortunately, that is also enough to overcome every attack that the enemy can launch. So to my “brother” Bill, though you may never read these words, know that you, your family, and the hundreds of others who were touched by this tragedy are being lifted up in our prayers. We are asking God for the healing of wounds, the recovery of health, and the peace that comes from our Lord. Rely upon His strength as you stand strong for your family. And know that the hug Martin was waiting to give you will be one of the many wonderful things you will receive when you are reunited with him someday in Heaven.

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One Moment

Posted on April 9, 2013 by day1of1

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Today is a somber day on the calendar for many sports fans: the day after the finals of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. This is the culmination of a month-long celebration of the best sporting event out there. There will be many who disagree, but no other sporting event brings out so many different responses and emotions. Three weeks ago we began to study our brackets to make predictions. Some of us used our heads, some of us used our hearts, but we all felt confident that we had every game properly analyzed and correctly picked; until the first of our legitimate contenders fell to the Cinderella teams. Which leads me to the only good thing today brings: now everybody’s bracket will be sitting in the shredder next to mine (which has been there for two weeks). But as any true college basketball fan will tell you, overcoming upsets and winning games you weren’t supposed to win are all a part of what makes this tournament so great.

Bracket

Only 68 teams were selected to play in the tournament. 67 of those teams ended their seasons in defeat. Only one team emerged from this tournament victorious. And while a season full of early morning practices, team meetings, training sessions, travel, injuries, close games, blowouts, exhilarating victories and heartbreaking defeats helped to prepare these teams for the madness of March, only one team had what it took when the time came to go into the history books with the title of champion. A six month season comes down to a 40 minute game (or even just a few minutes or seconds within). Preparation meets performance, overcomes pressure, and produces prosperity.

This is what makes sports so compelling. Any of us can pass, dribble, and shoot a ball, but so very few of us will ever know what it’s like to perform on that great stage. But while that arena allows only a select few to enter, it mirrors so many of the great challenges that each of us will face over the course of our lives. Students across our country face exams and standardized tests that will determine their future educational and career paths. Young men and women search their hearts and minds to decide who they should marry. Many people today will face tough choices when it comes to job opportunities. Others will struggle with the news that they are no longer employed. Should I take the risk to pursue my dream? Should I ask her to marry me? Should I invest more of my savings in something riskier but with a higher potential reward? Should I have the surgery or go into hospice care? Many of life’s moments require us to apply prior knowledge and past experiences to make an immediate decision that will have a lifelong impact. And while sports can emulate the feelings of joy and despair, they simply do not match the intensity or the importance of fully living the lives God created us to live.

Here’s to those with busted brackets but saved souls. Here’s to those who were vanquished but not defeated. Here’s to the victors who understand where our victory was actually won and the price that was paid to claim it. May God deliver us all from our defeats and lead us to that place where we find a shining moment that will last for eternity with Him in Heaven.

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One Moment

Posted on April 8, 2013 by day1of1

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.  James 1:12

Today is a somber day on the calendar for many sports fans: the day after the finals of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.  This is the culmination of a month-long celebration of the best sporting event out there.  There will be many who disagree, but no other sporting event brings out so many different responses and emotions.  Three weeks ago we began to study our brackets to make predictions.  Some of us used our heads, some of us used our hearts, but we all felt confident that we had every game properly analyzed and correctly picked; until the first of our legitimate contenders fell to the Cinderella teams.  Which leads me to the only good thing today brings: now everybody’s bracket will be sitting in the shredder next to mine (which has been there for two weeks). But as any true college basketball fan will tell you, overcoming upsets and winning games you weren’t supposed to win are a part of what makes this tournament so great.

Only 68 teams were selected to play in the tournament.  67 of those teams ended their seasons in defeat.  Only one team emerged from this tournament victorious.  And while a season full of early morning practices, team meetings, training sessions, travel, injuries, close games, blowouts, exhilarating victories and heartbreaking defeats helped to prepare these teams for the madness of March, only one team had what it took when the time came to go into the history books with the title of champion.  A six month season comes down to a 40 minute game (or even just a few minutes or seconds within).  Preparation meets performance, overcomes pressure and produces prosperity.

This is what makes sports so compelling.  Any of us can pass, dribble, and shoot a ball, but so very few of us will ever know what it’s like to perform on that great stage.  But while that arena allows only a select few to enter, it mirrors so many of the great challenges that each of us will face over the course of our lives.  Students across our country face exams and standardized tests that will determine their future educational and career paths.  Young men and women search their hearts and minds to decide who they should marry.  Many people today will face tough choices when it comes to job opportunities.  Others will struggle with the news that they are no longer employed.  Should I take the risk to pursue my dream?  Should I have the affair and ignore the risk of getting caught?  Should I invest more of my savings in something riskier but with a higher potential reward?  Should I have the surgery or go into hospice care?  Many of life’s moments require us to apply prior knowledge and past experiences to make an immediate decision that will have a lifelong impact.  And while sports can emulate the feelings of joy and despair, they simply do not match the intensity or the importance of fully living the lives God created us to live.

Here’s to those with busted brackets but saved souls.  Here’s to those who were vanquished but not defeated.  Here’s to the victors who understand where our victory was actually won and the price that was paid to claim it.  May God deliver us all from our defeats and lead us to that place where we find a shining moment that will last for eternity with Him in Heaven.

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