Written by: Cami Rogers
During my first semester at Lipscomb, the women's soccer team went on a mission trip to El Salvador. I will never forget when we gave one of the kids a big bag of toys from his sponsor. Without even looking at all of the toys and seeing what he received, this boy went to one of his friends who did not receive a toy and gave a gift to him. The boy didn't just give his friend a random gift. He gave him the best gift in the bag that he had received. The boy used his own blessing to bless his friend.
I share that story because it reminds me of the gifts God has given me–specifically as an athlete. It is easy to think that God has given us abilities and talents as a way for Him to bless us, but I think it is more likely that the abilities and talents that God has given us are the very gifts we can use to bless those around us. The gift of soccer brought the women's soccer team to El Salvador, and even though we couldn't speak the same language, we all knew how to play soccer and that is what connected us and gave us community. The gift of soccer allowed us to play against the El Salvadorian National team. The joy that was on those kids' faces after we had played with them that day is something I will never forget.
"From him, the whole body joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:16
It was the spring of my sophomore year when I realized that soccer is more than just a sport I play, but a platform to share my faith on and off the field with those around me. Before heading out to games, our prayer was always that teams see something different in us by the way we play, the way we talk, and the way we love our teammates. As an athlete, you have a unique opportunity to expand the kingdom of God through the abilities God has given you. That looks different for everyone. For some, it's playing every minute and giving everything they have, for others that is showing up as a leader on the team and leading with kindness, and for some, it may be how they cheer and support their teammates during difficult seasons. Either way, your athletic ability is an opportunity to show your identity lies in something so much greater than the sport that you play.
God did not have to give you the gifts and talents you were born with, but He chose to give those abilities specifically to you for a reason.
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:13-16
God delights in His children enjoying the good gifts He has given them.
Reflecting on what I've learned about the gifts God gives us, I can't help but remember the moment I witnessed in El Salvador when the boy joyfully received his gifts. Instead of keeping it to himself, he wanted to share that joy and excitement with those around him. It is easy when we receive gifts to want to hold on tight to them and keep them for ourselves. But what God has given us, we should give back to those around us. What I have found is when you can finally let go and see your athletic ability as the true gift God has given you, I think you not only start to play your best, but there is a newfound joy for your sport.
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others." 1 Peter 4:10
You were created with unique talents and abilities, and I encourage you to see how your God-given talents can serve those around you.
