“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, NKJV)

This weekend we spent time doing what we have done for countless hours before – we attended high school basketball games. For the past several years, our son was no longer a player, but instead the coach.

When he started participating in the Bay State Games, he did not know the girls nor the families. It wasn’t for pay but purely for the love of the game and wanting the best for the kids. He held practices several times a week for about two months to quickly bring this group of eight girls to work together as a team.

The games were tough, a battle to hold onto a lead. The competitors were fierce, each one equally wanting the win. All kept their eyes on the prize – the gold medal.

This team, Central, or the muffins as they lovingly nicknamed themselves, never gave up. Even when they made mistakes, they shouted words of encouragement to each other. They kept going, shaking it off with determination to get back into the game.

Each win, brought them closer. Each win, brought the next fierce battle to obtain victory.

And they did it – they took gold.

The last few minutes of goodbyes brought me to a most profound moment. One which, truth be known, I have not been able to shake off.

And right there, in the middle of the basketball court at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center, here are the lessons which unfolded in my heart:

1. We all need role models. But none as much as kids. They desire for someone to deposit into their lives and much like a sponge, they will gratefully soak it all in.
2. We must never give up. No matter how great the fight, we stay in the fight.
3. We all need a team. We need those who will go the journey with us, alongside of us. Shoulder to shoulder. We long to have people in our lives who will help us up off the floor when we get knocked down. We need those who will pass to us exactly what we need to be successful.

There were further lessons unfolding even more deeply in my heart as I watched the affirmation and encouragement being given before parting ways.

As The Church battles jealousies, comparisons, and rivalries, there are those in the world who are starving to work together to bring about good. Godly leaders are being affirmed and appreciated outside the church. The world is recognizing good role models and the need for people with character and morals. And these are the ones they are wanting involved in the lives of their children.

While the church fractures from within, our own children are being lost to outside influences because we are not modeling what Jesus has called us to model – His Love. Churches and Christian organizations are letting go of the very leaders they so desperately are in need of because of pettiness, unhealthy competitiveness, and jealousies.

May we, The Church, wake up and come together …

“The entire lay is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” (Galatians 5:14-15, NIV)

As the tears rolled, there was one more lesson whispered into my soul – God has called us to do a work. We must believe this to the core of our being, for then we will find the passion to live out His plan for our lives. His plan for our lives is already complete. And it is in His plan, that we will find the ultimate satisfaction and peace of heart. It is there we live with a passion.

Passion for Him.

And a love of others.

Thank you, Bay State Games and Coach Tim, for teaching lessons beyond the game of basketball!

Today I am joining … Testimony Tuesday and True Story and #RaRaLinkup and Titus 2 Tuesday .