In 2020, Covid brought the world to a screeching halt. And with it, the world of sports changed overnight. It would’ve been easy to slip into complacency, to be frustrated with the situation, to lose the meaning behind my work as an athlete. Rather than falling into that way of thinking, I fully committed to the work I was able to do during that time, taking pride in how I was training every day.
A tree overhung the fence in my backyard, not far from where I’d set up my stationary bike. I spent hours on that bike, sweat dripping, heart pumping, legs and lungs burning. One particular branch on that tree was overgrown. It hung over the fence, drooping toward where I sat on the bike. I envisioned that branch holding out a World Cup roster spot, and as I pushed myself on the bike, I was pushing toward a spot on the World Cup team.
God has given me a work ethic and determination that have carried me to places where He has used me. I love the idea of pushing myself to my limits, especially when no one is watching. I have a special admiration for doing the work when it’s raining or cold or dark, for doing the things others are unwilling to do.
I have always believed that I am capable of great success. That confidence comes from a sureness in the work I’ve done in the dark. As Christians, we are called to believe and trust that God wants abundant life for us. Our confidence in this promise comes from the certainty of Jesus’ finished work. It rests on what He was willing to endure, alone on the cross, for us.
Unlike a World Cup roster spot, God is not dangling a relationship with Him in front of us for us to earn with our own effort. He has designed us to know, taste, and experience the abundant joy that comes from life with Him. In His grace, He has made the way for us to experience that relationship through Jesus.
Since taking on the role of husband and father, my priorities have shifted. There is deep meaning in my life beyond what I do on the field. I now have the responsibility of nurturing and caring for my children and my wife. I’ve discovered that the life God has laid out for me extends far beyond winning games or competing in a World Cup. While I’m immensely proud of what I have accomplished in my career, God has transformed my heart to find richly fulfilling purpose in the relationships I am building with my family, too.
Each of us is bigger than what we do. There is great purpose in our lives beyond the arena we compete and work in. God created us to be more than just an athlete.
This discovery of greater purpose off the field has allowed me to play and compete with more freedom. Of course, having to come home from a travel trip or a challenging day at training and play with and care for my kids is demanding. But it’s also brought a fresh perspective to how much value I place on what happens in my career. I’m not as stressed out by a poor performance at training or a tough loss because I know that there is more to my life.
Challenge
Take some time to reflect on the gift of salvation you have received in Christ. How can you express your gratitude for the finished work of Jesus on the cross?
Where in your life has God revealed a purpose beyond your sport or career? If there’s not a clear answer for you, spend some time in prayer, asking God to reveal new meaning as you walk with Him.