Back when my son Shannon was still in high school at Lake Travis in Central Texas he out of the blue decided to join the football team. I had mixed feelings about it, but that is another message for another day. The team was a good team, in fact the best the school had ever produced to that date. Shannons QB was Todd Reesing who would later go on to shock the nation with his talents at KU. For two years I covered every game and watched as these underdogs gave birth to a winning streak that is still going today with 4 state championships in a row and will be going for their fifth in a row this year. It was without question a season of highlight for my life. In fact, I published a photo essay book that told the story of those first two years called “Smokin Hot”. The one thing that was tough to watch was my poor son not having the size his teammates had. I would watch with a breaking heart game after game as he always had hopes of getting in the game. He never just pouted and sat on the bench. He spent the whole game encouraging others on the sidelines and cheering the field plays on. During the week, he would learn all the plays, watch the game films, workout in the gym and was first to arrive to practice then last to leave as well. He was always highly engaged in the pregame pep rallies and locker room rallies. Truthfully, he reminded me of Sean Astin’s character in the classic football film “Rudy”. I remember Shannon so frustrated most the time and he wouldn’t know why. I would ask him what was wrong and he said he just did not know, but all he knew was he felt restless and frustrated. Then one day while praying God showed me what it was. Shannon was doing all he possibly could to be ready for the game and then he would get emotionally jacked up for the game, but almost never got to play. He was primed and ready, but rarely got in the game. This was leaving him restless and frustrated. Then God said “This is whats wrong with my church.”. The vast majority of Christians today go to pray and study His word. They go to classes and sermons and learn about what God has and wants for us. They buy the books and the worship CD’s to dig deeper mentally and emotionally and then go to the conferences, which is all good and important. However, they then come home all jacked up, primed and ready, but rarely if ever “get in the game”. Jesus made it clear what “the game” was. Love God with all your heart and love others a lot! I can think of no greater way to love another than to share the good news of what Jesus did for us (Luke 2:10 “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.). Second to that is to love them by physically, in person, helping them meet their needs. Do this and watch your joy become complete. Keep doing it and watch your joy stay complete. (John 15:10-12 (New International Version, ©2011)”10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”) If not, you will struggle with restlessness and unending frustrations. You are all well trained for it! All of you are jacked up and ready! GET IN THE GAME!!!
the Jesusfreak
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