Bring It

Bring It

I don’t typically watch pro basketball on TV. But when I recently clicked past a Lakers-Celtics game, I stopped long enough to notice a little ritual I liked a lot. In the hard-charging, body-banging game, I noticed a touch. That’s all. Just a touch.

It was the player at the free-throw line who received the touch. After each shot, whether he made it or missed, his teammates on the floor stepped in for a brief touch that seemed to say, “We’re here. Up or down we’ve got your back.” Sometimes what we need most is to know that someone is out on the floor with us, regardless of whether our next shot clangs or swooshes.

I assume most NBA players make millions of dollars playing the game—and that they know they’re good at it. But still, the touch is reassuring. I’m pretty competent at what I do too, although sharing words isn’t a quick way to riches. But lately, I’ve needed encouragement. And one touch at a time, I’ve gotten it. Others in the game with me have stepped in at just the right time to say, “Bring it. We’re with you.” And I’m grateful.

Grateful for the housewarming wind chime on the back porch that rings when the breeze picks up. For the two hanging plants that appeared on the front porch the week before last—an unexpected burst of lavender joy. For the farmers’ market granola left on my porch swing and for the envelope in the mailbox from my agent—the one with twenty dollars tucked inside and a note to let me know he and his wife were thinking of me. I doubt jocks get teary eyed at the free-throw line, but I did then. It’s not the gifts themselves; it’s the goodness they represent.

I am not alone. And neither are you. And these “free-throw touches,” these serendipities of encouragement, are straight from heaven—no matter what package they arrive in. Are you struggling? Weary? Wondering if help will come? Here’s a touch from one teammate to another to remind you someone’s got your back. So step up to the line and keep bringing your best game, whatever challenge lies ahead.

We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other.

Ephesians 4:15-16, MSG