In the Game

“I have fought the good fight.
I have completed the race.
I have kept the faith.”
II Timothy 4:7

I recently heard a short news interview with a soccer player from a small
European country’s national soccer team. His team had been playing in the
European national soccer leagues for 20 years, but had never won a game.
The guy was SO excited to speak to the reporter interviewing him, and his
excitement was delightful and unexpected . . . He did mention that they had
scored a point once….on the field with the very best!

The reporter asked him why he was so excited, considering the 20-year losing
streak. His positive reply was delightful! He said, “We have had the privilege to be on the same soccer field with the best teams of Europe! How many teams have that opportunity!??? We have shared the spotlight with the very best, playing our favorite sport together as a team. What could be better than that?!!! We get to play!”

I have replayed his delightful, excited response many times in my mind. It
always makes me giggle!

And I wonder if God smiles as He watches us “on the field” with Him. Our
heartfelt energies for His Kingdom’s sake. . . trying our best . . . being excited for
the opportunity to simply be “in the game” despite the fact that our very best
efforts rarely even score a point.

We needn’t be discouraged because others are more skilled or productive than
us. Getting the highest score is not what matters most.

What is most worthy of celebrating is the fact that we can be in the “Game” with
Him . . . on the Field! He lets us play on His Team!