Recently, I have had several conversations with people who are waiting “until they are ready.” Whatever that means. As a result of these conversations I thought I would re-post this blog from quite some time ago about how we are often far more ready than we realize.
Basketball has been a very large part of my life for as long as I can remember. It has also been a great source of learning and growing.
On the first day of practice during my sophomore year in high school I expected to be a B squad or junior varsity player like all of my 10th grade buddies. It was rare for a sophomore in my hometown to begin the season as a varsity player. I’m sure it had happened but I couldn’t remember it.
After practice was done on that first day my B squad coach told me the head coach wanted to visit with me in his office. As a B squadder I expected that he would tell me that he wanted me to pick up the balls after practice or pick up the towels when the varsity was done or some other duties that might be done by the younger players.
Much to my surprise he told me that he wanted me to be in uniform for the varsity games. He also said that I would come up and practice with the varsity for the last half hour of each day. He told me that I would get opportunities to play in games if we were way ahead or way behind just to get some experience at the varsity level. I would still play in the B squad games so I got playing time as well. Wow! What a thrill for me. That was something I never expected.
True to his word I never got the chance to play in a close game. In late February, we were playing a team that was one of the top teams in the conference along with us. This would be a great game and one that would give me a great seat to watch as I sat at the very end of the bench but right on the floor. As expected it was a battle. The lead changed hands many times throughout the first three and a half quarters. With about five minutes to go in the game the coach hollered my name. I looked over at him from about thirty feet away wondering what he wanted. Did we need water or towels? Why was he calling me? He waved me to his spot on the bench and said, “get in the game for Davis!” I thought to myself, “surely there must be some mistake here. The game is tied. Do you realize what you are doing?”
Somehow, in those last five minutes I managed to score five points, grab five rebounds and block a shot. I wish I could say we won the game but we didn’t. What I learned that day is sometimes we are more prepared for tough challenges than we think we are. My coach had been watching me grow as a player for four months. He knew that I had evolved as a player and he knew I was capable of succeeding in that situation. I didn’t feel worthy or ready to be there but I was better prepared than I thought I was because of my experience over time.
Recently, I have been approached about potentially helping someone out involved in a very difficult life situation. My initial reaction is that certainly there must be someone else who could do this better. However, I know that my life experience puts me in a position to be of more help than many people. I am better prepared to fulfill this role than I think I am. Time will tell how this will all play out but my tenth grade experience has taught me that I need to always be ready to get in the game even if I don’t feel qualified.
How about you? Are there challenges in life you avoid because you don’t think you’re ready or qualified? Are there people that tell you you’re the perfect person for something and you dismiss them because of your own fears? What are you prepared for and you don’t even realize it? Is it time for you to get in the game or are you going to remain a spectator in the stands?
Ephesians 3:20
Have a STRONG and COURAGEOUS day!
