When You’re Tired

I played five on five, full court basketball the other day. I honestly could not tell you the last time I did that. I played pretty well. I sank a couple of threes, got a steal or two, and a pretty decent breakaway lay-up. I’ve been patting myself on the back all morning. I must confess though, over the course of an hour, I did have to have someone substitute in for me three, maybe four times. I don’t remember. I got pretty worn out.

I remember when I played basketball in high school, I would always hear my mom yelling at the top of her lungs from the stands, “Get it! Get the Ball Chad!” Sure thing mom. No problem. Why didn’t I think of that?

One time today, as I was trying to keep a ball from going out of bounds, my legs buckled underneath me. I’ve heard that phrase all my life, but never really understood it until I experienced it for myself today. Knowing about a thing and experiencing a thing are two different things. As I played, trying my best not to make a fool of myself, I realized that my strategy changed quite a bit when I got tired. I can “know” the right moves. See the proper angles. But my body can only do what it can do. Strategy changes when you get tired. I’m just glad I could call in a sub when I needed one to do the job I could no longer do on the court.

When I look back over the course of my life and contemplate the victories and defeats, the triumphs and tragedies I have seen and experienced, I’m so thankful for the teammates God has put in my life.

Basketball games aren’t really that important. Maybe you’re facing something serious today. Maybe you’re tired. Maybe you’re worn out. Maybe your legs feel like they are about to buckle beneath you. Don’t try to do everything on your own. Take a break. Take a breather. And get back on the court and finish the game. You’ve come too far to give up now. Maybe sometimes the key to not giving up for good is to give up just for a while and let someone else take your place. There is help nearby. Just ask.