Hard Lessons from the Hardwood

I was playing basketball recently, for first time in months, and I was struck by how the 12 year old inside of me still delights in being chosen by the “A-court” players to be on their team. I was almost shocked at how a simple nod from the guy I watched rain three pointers in the previous game made me feel validated in some way, when he overlooked several others to invite me to jump in. I realize that it’s incredibly shallow, of course, to feel good because some weekend warrior thinks I can still run with them. But as I think back on my superficial reaction, I sensed that it does reveal a genuine longing as well: to belong in some deeper way. I guess that's why today I was so moved by these words from Jesus: "You did not choose me, I chose you" (John 15:16). I long for the day when these unconscious moments might reveal that I am living from my true self, from the fact that value and significance comes not from any fleeting performance or ability, but from a deep centeredness on the One who made us.