Soccer

All three of our boys are avid soccer (football) fans. If they aren’t playing it, talking about it, reading about it or watching it I can guarantee it must be because it’s bedtime, mealtime or school!!

This Winter Ben and Isaac are on soccer teams. Isaac’s games are pretty tame, but Ben’s (at 9) are pretty hard-core serious! As Mum, watching a group of passionate 9 year old boys tackle each other for the ball each Saturday afternoon, there is now one little routine I have adopted as we pull into the soccer ground car park. I pray!

This week as we skidded in late to the game, again we took that moment to pray for protection and a good time for Ben. As I prayed, I was suddenly overwhelmed with a very real understanding that God actually really cared about this game that Ben was going to play. I sensed that in the same way that Ben was excited to go and play, and we were all excited to go and watch him, the Lord was excited too! This really touched my heart. The God who made all the heavens and the earth was going to delight in watching His creation play something that He’d gifted him to do!

Now, perhaps you all had this revelation long ago, but I was struck at that moment by how easily we box God in. We know He’s there for our troubles and our concerns – there to sort out the whole world and keep it in order - but sometimes we fail to remember that He delights in us! We’re His creations! He delights in watching us, with all the characteristics and personality that He created for us. He delights watching us walk in the giftings He’s given us. He isn’t just checking we’re getting everything right and being good. He really enjoys us and loves nothing more than spending time with us, because we’re His own personal creation.

Prayer: Dear Lord, You’re Holy and powerful, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, but You’re also my Father God. Thank You that You love me with an intimacy that only comes from You being my Creator. Help me to receive the truth that You delight in me and that You love nothing more than spending time with me, in Jesus’ name, Amen.