Some days in our lives sit deeply rooted in the cracks of our memories. This past Friday will be ingrained in my mind for many years to come.
It all began when we first arrived in the D.R. After becoming aquainted with our host, we found out we had a common passion for basketball. Our host’s son, Junior, took me to play basketball with some locals after a few days in country. Kicking off some rust from being away from the game, my team won most of our games. Not being prideful about winning, but doing so won the respect of the people playing. Returning from playing we were told about some actual games that were set up for the weekend. It was an incredible opportunity to not only use an incredible gift God has given me, but also minister to the players we will be playing against. I was beyond excited for the day we would play, all the nostalgia was welling up inside of me. Friday could not come any sooner…
When Friday arrived, there was a lot to be done before our game. I needed basketball shoes to play in (no one in the ministry had size 13 shoes for me to borrow) so I went to town with Rueban, our host. Spending most of the day with him really pumped me up for the game. People were excited to have a college athlete playing in the game later. I felt honored to be there, but I also knew because of the culture, there was a lot of expectation to do well.
Finally, after a long day of waiting, the sun was setting. The night was setting in and the caged basketball court was filled with locals and racers alike. right before the sun set, we prayed together and blessed the game we all loved to play. As the game ensued, it was an epic struggle, back and forth. Both sides were playing their hearts out; no one was giving any advantage. the cheers and clapping from everyone took us all back to our high school days. It was an excitement I had not felt in a long time.
The final quarter was the most intense of them all. The lead changed time and time again. It was not until the final two minutes that we began to pull away. We went on a small run and eventually came out on top as the final whistle blew, 63-58. children were screaming and cheering, kids from our camp were so excited, and the Racers were ecstatic. we had won the game.
afterwords there were handshakes exchanged between players and hugs for all the kids. we had gained much respect from the people that night. I spoke to some of the players from the opposing team and shared a little bit of my testimony with them. I told them to use the gifts God had given them to glorify Him. I also applauded them for their hard work and dedication on the court. I wished them the best and told them I was excited for the next time we all play.
Playing the the game showed me much more than I could have ever imagined. God blessed me with the talent to play basketball and it all came to a peak moment here in the D.R. In the past, I thought God wanted me to quit basketball and to focus in on my relationship with Him. I see now that God wants me to use this gift to minister to others, as well as deepen my relationship with Him. This goes beyond basketball as well. All the talents I have will bring glory to God and they all can deepen my relationship with God.
My question for all of you reading is this: How are you using the gifts God has given to you to bring Him glory? Are those gifts bringing you closer to God? Ask yourself this, because when you do, you will see God has given you some great abilities. All you have to do is give it back to Him.
