“If you want to stand out, then step down. Be a servant." ~ Matthew
23:11
In a cramped room that smelled of
sweat, deodorant, and shampoo-scented steam, Coach Bagley readied his
basketball team for the big game.
Frankly, it was the BIGGEST game of his career.
His Farmville Eagles had a
chance to make school history. After 27
losing season, Coach had not only posted his first winning season, but today they
had a shot at the conference championship.
A man not known for fiery speeches - was on fire tonight. "When we walk onto the court, those
butterflies will turn to ferocious Eagles. You’ve gotta want this night to last
forever."
After a quick prayer, they left the locker room to a
boisterous crowd of delirious fans. Who
could blame them? With a population of
just under 1,500, Farmerville had but one stoplight within its city limits of
roughly two square miles.
The Eagles played just one school smaller than itself during
the season. They were out-numbered,
out-sized, out-everything. Could tonight
could be THEIR night?
Bagley had announced before the game that a local
businessman had donated money for a 4-year college scholarship for the team’s
MVP. The recipient would be chosen by
the team’s 9 players after the game.
Maybe it was the scholarship … or perhaps blazing desire,
but the Eagles soared that night.
Thomas hit almost everything he launched, finishing with 27
points. Danny (aka “Dimes”) added 14 points
and 11 assists. Despite being the shortest
Eagle, Darnell flawlessly moved the ball up the court and directed the offense.
Tug, short for Tugboat, ‘owned the paint’
collecting rebounds with reckless abandon.
Because there was no girls’ basketball team at Farmville, Sydney
played with the varsity boys. Her
warrior-like hustle earned her the nickname “Squito” for her mosquito-like agility.
After celebrating with fans, the Eagles entered the locker
room for one final task. Each was given
a sheet of paper and asked to identify who they believed to be the team’s most
valuable asset.
It took just a few minutes before Coach tallied the results. He looked up after nodding agreement. “Seems right to me, too,” he said wiping away
a single tear.
“By unanimous vote, I’d like to congratulate Meredith Olsen,
our Equipment Manager, who you’ve chosen as our Most Valuable Player. Away from the spotlight, she stayed well
beyond practice to ensure uniforms and practice gear was washed, organized and ready
for the next day. She even laundered the
cheer uniforms and mascot costume.”
Meredith led the team by serving.
She demonstrated what Christ meant when He washed His
disciples feet. Jesus became a servant
to become our Savior. There is but one
God. If you want to be great, you must
serve others.
Almighty Father, help us to be better than we
are. Teach us to be more like you, and
less like the world around us. Help us
to put aside our selfish desires and vain ambition. Teach us to be true
servants in both word and deed. Amen
