It seems natural to praise God when things go our way, when we are not overwhelmed, and when life runs smoothly. God blesses us with different skills and talents, and we all may have competed in sports or other areas. But, what happens when everything we have known fades away? How do we handle those competitive situations when we can’t score runs, when we cannot shut down the opponent, and everything in life turns upside down? Will we play for Jesus Christ, the ultimate coach? Will we strive to play on His level?
I had the privilege of coaching my daughter, Christina. Her primary sport was softball, and she was a talented pitcher. Yet, upon her cancer diagnosis, it was as if she was trying to teach me that the game wasn’t on the field any longer. The one that counted was the crucial one, the critical one, the “game of life.” We are not defined by who we are competing on a field, court, or stage. What truly defines us is the person we are when we walk off those platforms. Are we kind, loving, and loyal to others? What qualities shine through us in every day situations?
On May 28, 2005, when we thought it was time for Christina to enter heaven, I placed a softball in her pitching hand. She was on a ventilator for the last weeks of her life. Although she couldn’t speak, she could hear every word spoken. I leaned in close and whispered, “Christina, you’ve won. You’ve won.” But my ten-year-old daughter was not ready. One more inning left--one more time to shut down the opponent with bases loaded and nobody out. Hundreds of people across the country prayed as God continued to use Christina to bring others closer to Him. On May 29, 2005, Christina won, not a trophy, not a medal, but the championship “game of life,” true victory with our Lord.
All these years later, I am blessed to speak to schools as well as adults. After many of my talks, I hand out “Game of Life” softballs to all who attend. On one side reads: “Game of Life” and on the other “Christina” and "5/29/05"-- the date that my daughter won the real championship and eternal victory. I pray that every child and adult from every walk of life is encouraged and inspired when they pick up this ball. May they carry Christina’s sweet spirit in every day “game of life” situations.
The Game of Life
How do you play in the “Game of Life"
With all its difficult rules?
No refs, no umps, to call the shots—
No training offered in schools.
Do you try out for an all-star team?
Do you sign your name?
Or are you chosen by the Almighty One
To play in such a crucial game?
My dear Christina, He chose you
For such an awesome position!
No tryouts, no draft, no need
For earthly competition.
It’s always the last inning,
And you must play through the pain.
You do it so eloquently—
Trusting in His name.
For you see clearly
It’s not about a golden trophy.
By allowing Him to work through you,
You find eternal victory.
How do you play in the “Game of Life”
With no final points or score?
You showed us, Christina, by carrying your cross
THROUGH HIM WE WIN FOREVERMORE!
May God Bless you in this crucial and critical “game of life,”
Celeste N. Bowers
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