Every time I set foot on those sandy courts, I'm reminded of Patrick. I'm reminded of his lanky self coming from afar ready to throw a ball at me or tackle me to the ground. I'm reminded of his hard serves and spikes and his face of determination as he played the games. I'm reminded of how he would pull his hair, but then encourage his teammates after they made a mistake. Yes, every practice, every scrimmage, every step onto those sandy courts brings back memories as if it were only yesterday that he was there.
But then I see my teammates. The group of girls and boys that come every time to play volleyball, and play it well. I see my coach, who I know holds a lot of sorrow within, but comes to practice every time, choosing to lead the girls team. I know just like me these people have problems, worries, and tears that multiple like the sands on the court; but when we come together we leave it all behind. We encourage, we criticize, we hurt and we have fun. Even if it is for those three hours, I know i am not fighting this battle alone.
I love my team. I love every practice, every pain staking drill, every punishment, every victory and every loss. Even though I'm sometimes caught up in my thoughts, at the end when we proudly yell "All Things Through Christ", it gives me hope. "I can do ALL things through CHRIST who STRENGTHENS me". How loudly and proudly we say those words,but how seldom we actually take it to heart. If we claim to be able to DO ALL things through Christ who strengthens us, shouldn't we be able to get through this as well? Isn't the strength of Christ enough to pull us through the sorrow that flood our hearts? Isn't our Lord strong enough? Its weird how easy it is to yell, yet so hard to actually believe.
So today Lord I pray that we be able to trust in your strength. That we may look at what you have done, what you have given without us asking, and not at what you have taken away. Just like we yell, we can also believe that we CAN do it ALL with your strength. So give us your strength O Lord so that we may walk out of this pit with our heads held high and our mouths only boasting about your name.
With this I also pray for my team. I thank you for these people that keep me going, making me smile and laugh.Continue to give us your peace and use each and every one of us for your glory.All this I ask in your Holy and most precious name,
Amen
