basketball jones

      In my younger days I spent some time living in an apartment complex just outside
Atlanta. At the center of the complex was a basketball court. When time permitted
and the court wasn’t being used I’d spend some time shooting hoops. Jump shots, foul
shots, three point shots, dribble shoot, baby hook, and fade away I did them all. Mostly
unsuccessfully, but I did them all. I wasn’t half bad, at least I thought to myself.

However, there was a group of guys who played there from time to time. THEY were
good. If I looked out the window and saw them on the court I didn’t venture that way. If I
was there and saw them coming, I was out of there.

One particular day I was on the court shooting away not paying attention to what was
going on around me. You can guess what happened, they guys showed up. And they were
a man short. I acquiesced to their request to participate. Man, those guys were good.
Conversely I learned how NOT good I was. But I stuck it out. I endured blocked shots
missed passes, steals, and losing my man. But I stuck it out. And I played with them
again and again. I learned playing with those guys improved my game significantly.

If you want to get better at whatever you are doing I’ve learned to find someone
better than you and work with them. I’ve learned don’t go it alone. It’s remarkable
how my stride count increases when someone is on the elliptical next to mine.
If you want to grow in relationship and knowledge of God, don’t go it alone. Show up
for church, connect with a small group, find someone to study with.
​
I think intimidation is ultimately fear of humility. It’s an unwillingness to want to put
ourselves out there and admit we don’t know what we don’t know or can’t do what we
want others think we can do. I’ve learned to surround myself with people with more
smarts and skill than I, even in my current profession. Doing so challenges me to up
my game and makes me better for it.

Pastor Rob

​Bonus points if you know where the title originated.