Someone's Watching

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This weekend the Cyclones enjoyed one of their biggest wins in program history. Iowa State defeated Baylor and ended their 58 game win streak in the Big 12 Conference. Added to the excitement was the fact that the back and forth game was tied with 0.1 seconds left.  It was then ISU headed to the free throw line and Ashley Joens hit the game winner. Then the celebration began.

Cyclone fans everywhere were thrilled! Including those gathered around the screen in my house. Earlier in the game, my daughter Jaylyn was disappointed because she wanted to be in Ames, but as the intensity increased on the court hers did the same in our home. It truly was a fun game to experience even from afar.

There was more than joy from a win. Our pastor often encourages us to let life preach because if our eyes are open God is always at work. This was true even as I watched a basketball game. My daughter Jaylyn wanted to be in Ames because she wanted to watch her favorite Cyclone, Maddie Wise, play in her last home game.

As the 3rd quarter began Maddie wasn't playing and Jaylyn strayed from the screen and joined a Nerf gun war with her brothers. We called her back when we saw Maddie checking in. From that point on, Jaylyn was locked in...even when Maddie returned to the bench.

The intensity increased. Our nerves kicked in. Even my wrestling boys were watching. There were big shots and big defensive stops. There were lots of things to see and comment on, but Jaylyn's words were about Maddie. She wasn't noticing a great drive or an important pass, but her response on the bench. Every time her team had success, she was the first to cheer or offer a high five. Jaylyn saw every reaction and pointed it out to us. 

AP Photo

As her mom, and coach, I was grateful. She can watch highlight videos anyday and see great plays, but being a great teammate isn't something as easy to observe. All season we've been talking to our kids about this - reminding them WE > me and encouraging them to play together with their teammates. It's one thing to hear it from me, but so much more powerful for my girl to see it lived out by one she looks up to. 

Later that night I found myself thinking about this again. Initially, I was grateful for the important picture that had been etched on my daughter's heart, but then God took the thoughts deeper. Clearly, I'm not the basketball star, but my girl is watching me too. My every reaction doesn't excite her, but she sees what I do and hears what I say. 

My actions are sending a message too. Not only to Jaylyn, but her sister and 3 brothers as well. Friend, the same is true for you. You may not be a "Hero" in a young girls eyes, but even more important you can be a witness for Christ. It's not just the young people who are watching - family members, co-workers and strangers too are impacted by what we say and do. 

When Jaylyn watches Maddie and other favorite players in action, she sees them shoot, pass, play D, rebound and cheer on the bench. When they see you and me as believers, they watch us walk thru trials and interact with others. When we have the opportunity to choose humility over pride, they are watching. When it's time to trust or doubt, their eyes are on us. 

Read the following verses and pause for a moment to think: Does the one who's watching see you live this out?

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight." Proverbs 3:5

"Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." James 1:2-3

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14

"Am I now trying to win the approval of man or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10

"Wives submit to your husbands as to the Lord." Ephesians 5:22

I could continue, but I'm guessing you get the idea. Pause for a moment and pray asking God to search your heart and bring to mind what others see when they watch you. If something needs to change, ask Him to give you guidance from His Word and help from His Spirit to make the change. 

I'm sure a competitive division 1 athlete like Maddie would much rather have Jaylyn watching her hit the game winning shot or make a key defensive play, but the lesson she taught from the bench is priceless. Some of the things God asks us to live out will be challenging as well, but may we remember they will serve a purpose!!