“of the body of Christ, and members individually”
2 Corinthians 12:27
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A few weeks ago, my son started a new season of ice hockey. His team won last season and got to hoist the miniature Stanley Cup, but then a week later it was time to move on. No resting on their laurels for this crew; the new season was starting soon.
So the weekend in between the two seasons, there was no game. The kids all came together at the normal time, but it was for drills and a scrimmage. It was a chance for the coaches to evaluate all the players, and place them on their new teams.
They call them “tryouts,” but they’re really not. I mean, everyone makes the team. It’s about evaluating everyone skills and knowing their strengths so the coaches can make sure the teams are balanced, and so they know which position is best for each player: defense or forward; right, left or center.
I love that idea. I love the idea that of people being evaluated simply so they be the best they can be. And I love the idea that who we are as individuals is going to impact who we are as a team. It’s like those cereal commercials where they used to say: “Part of a well-balanced breakfast.” And they’d show the picture of the bowl of cereal, with milk and strawberries, and two pieces of toast and a glass of orange juice. Each part has something to offer.
The Apple of my Eye, who has been playing ice hockey for two decades, was a forward for a long time. But then one year he was on a team that needed more defensemen. He is a strong skater backwards as well as forwards, and that’s helpful for a defenseman, so he switched. It’s what the team needed.
Individuals ~ each strong in their own way ~ can make everyone around them stronger. And God knows it well. Celebrate where He has you.
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Light Expectations 