"Big Hits"

 “Whatever you do, work all your heart, as if working for the Lord." ~ Colossians 3:23

As Melina took her warmup shots, she considered her volleyball journey.  She recalled playing in gym class for the first time.  She remembered the thrill of acing her first overhand serve.  This sport had been her heart and soul since that day; its court a place of pure adrenalin and intense focus.

Volleyball had changed her life.  How great was it that she got to do what she truly loved?

Bump. Set. Ka-boom!  The crowd would go wild cheering, clapping, and whistling to support the team.  The sense of community had never been more prevalent – students, faculty, and fans - all boisterous, vibrant, and engaged in a spirit of positive vibes and great fun!  Even during warmups, tonight, the noise tonight was thunderous – maybe even a little distracting. 

Tonight’s crowd was electric.  Cheers roared into the air as the greatest of celebratory explosions.

Then suddenly, the overcrowded gymnasium went deathly quiet.  For perhaps the first time ever, fans sat in silence as Melina’s brother, Payton, was escorted to a courtside seat wearing large, noise-canceling headphones.

Payton has autism and is particularly sensitive to noise, making it impractical for him to endure the commotion volleyball matches create.  People with his condition are sometimes overstimulated by sounds that cause them to become overwhelmed and anxious.  Despite being a huge fan of the sport on TV, he’d never seen his sister play.

The high school crowd had agreed to sit quietly for the first 10 points of the game so that Melina’s brother could support his sister in person for the last game of her senior season. 

One could hear players quietly communicating among themselves and an occasional soft whistle.  

Payton cheered as his sister racked up the kills.  He left the game after the eighth point was scored, knowing the noise level would be too loud when the 10^th point of the match was secured. 

Before leaving, Melina nodded to her brother inconspicuously, for his presence had supercharged her final performance.  She thanked him for coming to which he mouthed “BIG HITS, SIS!”

The 10^th point came on another kill from Melina.  Cheers erupted as teammates and coaches from both sides embraced her in the special moment.  Of all her special memories of the sport she loved, that one will last forever.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently used athletic competition as a metaphor for the challenges of the Christian life.  You can also find fundamentals of good sportsmanship weaved through Scripture, all of which can be applied both on and off the playing field.  There’s nothing wrong with winning.  But when we’re participating in a worthwhile activity, God commands that we do it with our might and do it right!

Lord, let me compete well but fairly.  Let competition make me strong but never hostile.  Keep me from rejoicing in the adversity of others.  When we play, let it be done in a God-pleasing manner despite the outcome, and in ways that glorify You.  Amen