Welcome to the NFL.

By the time a player makes it to the pros he’s operating at an amazing level of athletic ability.  Playing the game at that stratospheric level requires an enormous amount of discipline, endurance and commitment.  It takes years of rigorous training and practice.  And of course, the physical and mental demands are also enormous.

Irene and I went to the grocery store to make sure that I would have lots of snacks for the big game!!  She prepared a large number of thick, marinated and boneless beef ribs, spicy bean dip and chips served in football shaped Super Bowl dishes and gigantic oatmeal cookies ….!!!!!  Without question …. it was the best Super Bowl meal I’ve ever had!!  What a party …. what a “happening” ….!!!

Irene is again experiencing some allergy or cold symptoms and hoping they will not proliferate.  Her energy level is lethargic and the nausea remains at a low rumble. Shirley Churchill worked with Irene on physiology techniques for 2+ hours while Ken and I relaxed and enjoyed the big game!

Metaphorically, Irene is playing in the SPIRITUAL NFL.  She is “stepping up her game” at a stratospheric level of performance with spiritual maturity facing her competition, which is a real life, formidable, opponent named Primary Amyloidosis.  In the “practice” of life, it took her years of to develop the spiritual discipline and training necessary to compete at this level.  In other words, her tender response to all of this is empirical evidence that she is spiritually prepared for the challenge.

What were some of her training and disciplines in the “practice” of life which prepared her for this confrontation?

• Years of Bible Study and scripture memory
• Daily quiet time, worship and prayer before God
• Being “teachable” and mentored by a “spiritual” parent
• Serving others joyfully and living within the context of community and accountability

Operating in the “spiritual NFL” requires an enormous amount of personal determination and commitment.  She wills to live and overcome her circumstances.  All of us who have watched her know that the physical and mental demands she’s facing have been, and are, colossal in nature.  That’s why her response has been so inspiring.

At the same time, however, we take Jesus at his Word when he declares:

…. apart from me you can do nothing
John 15:5b

So, while Irene’s “practice”, commitment, discipline and training are a necessary part for her role to play in obedience to Him, she ultimately rests in His activity, in His work on the cross and in His resurrection, knowing that it’s by His grace, not by her works, that she can actually experience “major league performance” in the spiritual life.

Irene denies herself and abides in His Presence, for playing in the “spiritual NFL” pales in comparison to that which lasts for only a season on this earth.  And, ultimately, she wins the Super Bowl of eternal life.

Caminando con Fé

Dave