Game Day

We are heading to Dallas to watch the UT vs Ok game this weekend. Oklahoma has the distinctive advantage with experience and seasoned athletes but I have all hope that the horns will prevail in spite of the odds. But as I was thinking about this game I remembered a few weekends back when Mel and I invited Blake, our five year old grandson and his cousin William, to go to the a game in Austin with us. William got sick at the last moment and so Blake was solo. I remember that when game day came, he was decked out in his hat and jersey with a smile as big as Texas just in anticipation of the coming game. He was going to be a part of it first hand and the joy was contagious. He really didn't care about the stats or the seasoned and experienced players or the gifted coaches, he just wanted to be there...in the middle of it.

The joy, it swelled within his little heart and radiated through his smile. Oh what a blessing to not only be a part of it but an actual generator of an event that perpetrated it. There are two teams that are vying to win in our lives. One coaches and designates plays from a heavenly throne and a genuine perspective of love, while the other generates a field of contempt, and is manipulated by strategic implementation that is born of fear. One generates joy in spite of obstacles and adversities the other generates fear and discontent.

Each day is a game day for us. We wake up and get to make a decision as to what team we are going to allow to generate our best play.
There are going to be seasoned players with a great deal more experience, but as long as we are on the right team, our victory is secured
in the final countdown of super bowl status.

How blessed we are that God has orchestrated events that we can joyfully anticipate. There are sure to be some hard hits and and sacks and turnovers but as long as we trust God even in the midst of competitive interaction, we might come out a lame duck at times but with
his power and his might and his awesome plays we will surely be victorious in ways of character and maturity and life strides that bring us closer to his heart.

Game day is everyday. We are to get ready and dress up for the occasion. Our helmets for protection, our cleats for security, our pads for protection, our minds focused on what is before us and our bodies set to activate God's play book. That little smile on Blake's face, the anticipation of the day, and center of attention landing squarely on him. We are the center of God's attention.

Dear Lord, Let us approach each of our game days with a hope and a truth in knowing that whatever happens, you have allowed it and orchestrated it and will work it into your ultimate plan for each of our lives. Amen