Wednesday devotions took place under a sunny sky. A brisk gulf breeze brought everyone that much closer in the circle.*notes from devos
So today Joy Leech gave devotions. She began by explaining her situation with playing two sports at the same time (Diving and Track). She explained that at first she was speaking with her coaches and others first before seeking Christ and what His will was for her and whether playing two sports is what He wanted her to do. She explained the importance of seeking to glorify Christ and to make Him look great (which He is, but someone people don't see that because we act no different than the world) in our sports participation. She explained that her experience with sports this year has been all the much more fun compared to all other times playing sports, because she is striving to put her focus on Christ instead of concentrating on being the best to magnify ourselves. Christ was the one who gave us the talent and he is the ONLY one who should get the Glory.
- Jared Moberg '10 (Concordia Academy MN)
Wednesday morning the team was treated to a devotional led by pole vaulter Joy Leach. Joy, a two sport athlete at Calvin (diving & track), shared her recent journey in discovering what it actually means to compete for Christ.
Starting with a deep consideration as to if God was calling her to play sports at all at Calvin, she dove into a very real confrontation between her own wants and goals and God's will. She went on to explain how she was frustrated that many people glibly say "to the Glory of God" when they accomplish great things, but that no one was able to tell her what that meant. One book that she found to be helpful was 'Game Day to the Glory of God' from which she read an excerpt about excellence according to God. So many times we get joy out of competing well, or even watching others compete well. However, God is perfection. He does not care about good performances. He cares about the heart with which we compete.
With this in mind Joy then talked about a laying aside of herself. When we really truly stop letting life be about us and us alone, then great things happen. Reading from Philippians 2: 1-5, she reminded us that God's joy is made complete in us when we set aside ourselves and work to bring glory to him.
-Annika Krygsman '09 (Whitinsville Christian HS MA)
Overnight waves washed dozens of Portugese Man o' War onto the beach; making morning strolls a bit of a maze. We were given first hand knowledge of their stinging power when my 11-year-old daughter brushed her hand against one during an afternoon swim. Thankfully, quick application of medication eventually eliminated any ill symptoms.
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