Overtime

"All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us?because there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end." - John 9:4 (NLT)

Basketball has been a large part of my family's life the past few weeks. Fifteen year-old Faith is in her third year as a cheerleader. She loves encouraging the high school team from the sidelines and then dashing out on the court for a quick cheer at rest intervals and at halftime.

Eleven year-old Mary Kathryn is our basketball player. For years I yearned for one of our children and then later grandchildren to love the sport of basketball. But, it never happened. There was no interest for any of them. And then during an intramural season in Mary Kathryn's kindergarten year we discovered she could shoot the basketball well. She is now in the fifth grade and fast mastering this exciting game.

"All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us?because there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end." - John 9:4 (NLT)

To add to our time spent around basketball, my husband and I love attending the Arkansas State University games in our hometown of Jonesboro, Arkansas. We wear our 'red? to each home game and clap from the same seats that we have sat in for several years.

Last Saturday night Mary Kathryn's team played in a tournament a few miles from home. Regular season is a fun time, but the intensity increases significantly when tournament time rolls around.

The girls came out really hustling. Up and down the court they ran shooting that basketball until they were all exhausted. When the final bell sounded the score was tied. There cannot be a tie in a tournament so they regained their energy and again moved the ball efficiently. Both teams scored and at the close of overtime they were tied again.

The team realized this gave them another opportunity to win so they went to work and made another score. At the end of double overtime they were two points ahead making them eligible to advance in their bracket.

Wow, what a night! The girls were so excited. They had a win to take home with them and more time left to get closer to winning the tournament.

Jesus tells us that our time needed to carry out the tasks he has given us here on earth in quickly vanishing. Soon night will fall and time as we know it will be no more. Do you find yourself busy accomplishing the goals and ministries that God has assigned to you? Are you seeking God with your whole heart while you can still find Him? Are you telling others about the free salvation offered to everyone through Jesus Christ?

Because of overtime, Mary Kathryn's team was given another opportunity. We as children of God are not promised overtime to fulfill the dreams and visions in our lives. Someday soon, in the not too distant future, Jesus will come in all His glory. Suddenly, the time for completing tasks will end as we are gathered up to meet Him in the air.

Mary Kathryn and her team are practicing fast and furious this week getting ready for the next tournament game. Let's also pick up our speed witnessing to others in the little time left to us.