Movement and Choices

The other day I was playing squash.

Squash is my only intensive physical outlet. I have been playing for a few weeks now and can certainly feel the benefits.

I usually play in a trio, so we play winner-stays-on. The others usually consist of an older guy called Howard who is still very good and a younger guy called Jared who has learnt from us and now is at the level of the older guy. You would have gathered this makes me the regular whipping boy, but I’m not disheartened (much).

On this occasion Jared had to pull out due to illness. His place was taken by another young guy, called Jordan. He had never played the game before, so he learnt from scratch by playing Howard and I.

It was intriguing watching him learn the basics in real game settings. Obviously at first we got him into things steadily. His lively manner though soon made it clear that we couldn’t afford to patronise him. So we played at our regular levels.

Energetic though he was and accustomed though he became to the variety of shots he could play, he was always at a disadvantage because of the game knowledge his opponents had over him.

After the session I asked him what he learnt. He said he learnt that you had to think whilst playing. It wasn’t about power and speed. It was about positioning and correct shot selection based on a good understanding of your opponent and the court. That could mean you could expend minimal physical energy and be able to use it when needed and eventually overcome the opponent.

It was based on good movement and good shot selection.

I don’t think life in Christ is that different.

Following Him us about our positiong in life. Where are jobwise, where are we relationship-wise, where are we emotionally, where are we mentally? Answering those in the light of the leading of God by His Spirit makes the difference.

Once that is known then it is applying wisdom to ‘hit the right shot’. Soft word or kind act. Stern rebuke or silent reflection. A meal or a game of squash. Time with the spouse or time with the children. Listen to musuc or read a book. Nap time or a refreshing drink. As wisdom leads to the shot selection, so we can enjoy God’s type of success – namely enjoying walking in His will – that good, acceptable and perfect will.

We won’t always learn it that easily on our own, which is why it’s good to learn from others how to excel in the game and channel energy wisely rather than think it’s about the swift or the strong.

Of course Jordan is more than welcome to learn more about squash with Howard, Jared and I.  As long as I don’t come last again.

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden