On the First Day
I just came from a gathering of Christian pastors and lay people at the beautiful Lake Junaluska retreat center in the mountains of North Carolina. So much hesitation. So many who desire to do things just right. Studying. Learning. Talking and listening. Planning. Figuring. Waiting. And oh yes, worshiping and praising God. But there is just so much marking time and not very much moving ahead.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not in a hurry to head off in the wrong direction. But can we please get moving? We only have so much time, we really don’t know HOW much, to reach those who don’t yet know God, the God we have met in Christ.
Many times in my life I have been guilty of waiting too long. Waiting until I have all the answers. Until I have studied the problem from all angles. Until I have exhausted all the resources. Until I am sure. Until it’s too late. I don’t want to be too late any more.
At least for me, I want to be one who prepares and then steps out in faith, even though I haven’t got all the answers. One who goes, trusting the words meant to be said will come. One who offers, trusting there will be enough. One who tries, trusting that my strength will be satisfactory and in my shortcomings Christ will be sufficient. Sure, there will always be a little uncertainty, but that’s where faith comes in, and where I must be willing to learn. To be flexible, change course, ask for help, drop back 10 and punt…
I am a Christian meant to move. Moving is how I serve, how I learn, how I live. And I suspect it is how I will learn how to live. I have the best Teacher. Today, on the first day – of the rest of my life – I pray I may be His willing student. I will try on Discipleship and see how it fits. But very likely I will be pulling on the sleeve as I run out the door.
Because the world I live in is where I am meant to make a difference for Christ. Because I am an athlete, a coach and a fitness professional, the field of play is my ministry zone. There I find a mission as sacred as any pulpit in any congregation. There comes a time when we must stop the pre-game warm up and start the game.
Today, I kick off.
Posted on July 22, 2012, in Body and tagged Christ, Christian, fitness, game, Jesus Christ, motion. Bookmark the permalink. 6 Comments.
The Kinesthetic Christian 
There’s no game without the kickoff! My experience has been that when you truly believe you’re following the Lord’s path, the margin of error is pretty big, and forgiveness comes easily!
I call that a “goal!”
Best wishes on this new venture!
Thank you, Doug. of course, kicking off means the other team has the ball, but that is how the game is played.
Hey! Where’s the “like” button? (: I trust that the ones who need you ( need God )will find you on your playing field. I’m so excited to see you walk through that door ready for anything ❤
Ha Susan. Thanks for asking. I am new in the widgets business. Just figured out how to add the “follow by email” button. Writer, I am. Techie, my the grace of God I will be — someday soon 🙂
Congratulations on your new adventure, Wendy! I look forward to following you along the way! What a great “coach” you have in Him : )
Thanks Lisa. God as Coach is such a helpful image for me, but also a helpful metaphor. The best coaches help us prepare and then stand back and say, “okay, give it a try,” then greet us, even when we fall short with, “how can we be better next time?” How lucky we are to have this kind of coach.