Basketball and Life…

Tonight we had Micah’s 7th grade basketball game. Trisha and I have made a pact with one another at his games not to yell at him, coach him or give him advice during the game. She was successful, I was not. You would think since I got cut from the team in 7th and 8th grade, I would just consider it a gift that he is even on the team, that he is playing that that he loves the game of basketball. Somehow, when he is in the game it is like I want him to be able to see the floor how I see it. I want him to make the cut that I see he could make. I want him to have the confidence in himself that I have in him. I want him to have the experience that I gained from playing high school and college basketball. I wish so much, not to live through him, but to allow him to live through me and those experiences. I have to wonder if that is what God wants for me at times. He sees the play develop that I don’t have the perspective at times to see. He knows the game plan so much more than I do…and yet with my limited perspective, I try to call the plays, be in control or get down on my self for making mistakes.

Tonight, on consecutive possessions, I told Micah to be aggressive, and the next time down the floor I told him not to force it, to let the game come to him. Trisha was totally confused and called me out…first of all I am not supposed to be coaching from the stands (we have a pact) and secondly, if I am going to break the pact, it had better be to give advice that doesn’t contradict the advice I just gave. And yet, that is the balance I am trying to find in my relationship with God right now. On the one hand, I feel like God is asking me to be aggressive, to trust him in new ways, to dream new dreams, to imagine what could be…and then at the same time, I get a sense he is saying…don’t force it…take your time, let my plan come to you…don’t try to make something happen that isn’t there. I am at this cross roads, and everything within me wants to embrace God’s plan for my life and ministry…but I want it be something that he orchestrates and ordains!

I never knew a 7th grade basketball game could have so many implications for my life. At this rate it is going to be a long and deep season! I am kinda glad I got cut from the 7th grade team!