Basketball is life?

I’ve been? pondering today about a basketball tournament game that I played in last night.? It’s the final game of the tournament for our local recreation league and my team is taking on the powerhouse of the league that? was (and remained) undefeated on the season.?

Keep in mind that we have to pay to get to play in this league.? We are not drafted, nor recruited from schools.? We are older men, has-beens if you will,? that try to get some exercise while having a little fun.

These guys are getting angry and frustrated over the lack of officiating for the games, let alone some of my team acting like we are in the NCAA or NBA finals with the world championship on the line.? For a moment, I was at a loss when trying to understand why this game was so important.? There was going to be no rewards or repercussions from winning or losing, so what is missing in their lives to make them hunger for a victory.? Then I realize, that these games are the highlight of their evenings.? Some have no one to go home to, some are seeking some sort of fulfillment or purpose for their lives, and some are trying to relive days gone by.

I was quasi-amused while watching from the bench while taking a breather in the second half.? You could see the dejection in my teams faces and I’ll admit, it would have been nice to have won the championship, but it wasn’t so important to me that it affected my entire being.? I didn’t get angry or upset, but some of my teammates were so upset to the point that it kept them from playing their best.? Why would this game have so much impact on them?

I don’t have? a good answer, but I can’t help but feel that something meaningful is missing from their lives.? Most of my teammates profess being a Christian, but are they truly walking the path that they need to be on.? Could it be that they are constantly searching for what Christ has made readily available for all of us……..Peace, in knowing Him!?

…………..something to think about………….?