Chronicle of a Trojan: October 2014

It was a regular day a few weeks back when I found myself with some (rare) free time before school got out so I drove up a little early to watch our girls practice basketball. I sat quietly reading a book as they began scattering in and getting ready for practice. I asked a few of them about injuries and how they were doing and visited a little with some I've known most of my life who are like family, (and cannot believe are SENIORS!)

This team also has a handful of exchange students joining their ranks this year. It was fun watching them learn a game so many of us love.

After everyone got on the floor, the girls gathered and started their practice with this-

This picture features great kids from four countries preparing for another day on the court.

They gathered without fanfare and went about their usual business... which was to pray together before they began.

There were not hundreds of people sitting in the stands to witness their display of faith. Just one person they are used to seeing around. I put my book down as quickly as possible, wrestled my camera out and snapped this picture before they finished.

There is definitely something to be said for proud, public displays of faith. But there is even more to be said for gathering as individuals on a regular basis, to reach out to God with thanksgiving.

Maybe this is something that happens everywhere. I hope so. I can only speak for what I saw here and hope there are others to capture the actions of thousands of other kids worldwide, in increments of 20ish in this case, whose faith ranks as a high priority to them. There are subjective examples of evangelism, and there are individual examples. Around here, it's more of a hands-on kind of deal. Not to mention the idea of introducing our faith to a student from a different country who may not have ever had an introduction otherwise.

We all hear about the fear and dread of the future with the scary things that are happening in the world. I get that. I feel that fear also as a parent of young children. But seeing a group of kids gather, on their own, with or without fanfare and certainly without an authority figure directing their actions, and give thanks to God... well, that gives ME faith in our future.

I know of no perfect place. I know of no perfect people. I only know of flawed people who confess that they stumble and reach out to God as their guide. Hopefully they reach out with love. And sometimes, we are fortunate enough that they can, and do, also reach for each other.

If a basketball is a part of that process, why not?!

Yes, we are a "basketball school" in rural southwest Arkansas. It is far from all we are but it is certainly a part of us! We don't win them all but we work hard every year and usually, at the very least, give most folks a run for their money even if the scoreboard isn't in our favor at the end.

I am proud of this group of student athletes. They work hard on the court and in the classroom. They aren't perfect.

But they are thankful.

And so am I.