God often communicates with me through the various experiences of life. Since I became a parent, I have found that many divine messages reveal themselves through the everyday moments with my children. Whether it's a simple smile, a heartfelt conversation, or even a challenging situation, I've learned to recognize the spiritual significance woven into these experiences. Even though these moments may not seem directly related to my journey, they carry profound lessons and insights that resonate deeply within my soul.
Here's a perfect example:
As I shared in my earlier posts, my son has been recruited to play men's volleyball for a prestigious Division III college that consistently ranks among the top ten programs nationally. The season kicked off this past January, and he has been excelling on the court, demonstrating some remarkable skill and dedication.
It's inspiring to witness him actively seek growth opportunities, push the boundaries of his abilities, and maintain resilience in the face of obstacles. His twelve-year journey in competitive volleyball, filled with rigorous training sessions, countless hours of practice, and personal sacrifices, truly exemplifies the power of grit and determination. This commitment has not only shaped him as an athlete but also instilled valuable life lessons that he can carry with him beyond the sport.
Since my son's new school is in Boston, we often find ourselves tuning into his games through live stream. While nothing quite compares to the thrill of being in the stands, I must admit there's a unique comfort in watching from behind a screen. It creates a safe space for my emotions to run wild. ☺ I can exuberantly cheer as loud as I want and even express my obnoxious remarks when I disagree with a call, all without embarrassing myself or my son. It's a blend of pride and liberation, turning each game into an exhilarating experience.
There was one particularly challenging game where my son's team faced off against a highly ranked opponent, ranked in the top five. Despite the statistics indicating that the opposing team was favored, I believed they were beatable. The match unfolded dramatically, with my son's team clinching the first set, igniting momentum and hope for the rest of the game. However, the energy shifted in the subsequent three sets, where they fell short. The defeat was a heavy blow, leaving my son and his teammates frustrated, especially after dedicating so much time and effort to their training. The sense of disappointment loomed large, not only for the players but also for the supporters.
After the game, the coach approached my son to offer positive feedback and some advice. A condensed version of the conversation went something like, "I like what you're doing, but don't play safe. I give you permission to swing hard at everything. I can accept losing when you put everything out there because I know you did your best." In my humble opinion, my son gave it his all, but I recognize that I'm biased since I'm always my children's biggest fan.
Those words echoed in my mind, stirring something significant within me. While I felt a sense of reassurance for my son, confident that he would take that advice to heart and sharpen his skills on the court, I found myself nudged by the Holy Spirit.
In that moment of reflection, it felt as though God was speaking directly to my soul, saying, "I expect the same from you. Step out of doing only what you know. I grant you the freedom to invest everything you have. Even if the outcome doesn't align with your hopes, I don't label it a failure. In faith, there is no true failure." The weight of that message resonated powerfully within me, igniting a realization: I had been coasting along, settling for less than what I could achieve. Why else would God bring this to my attention?
He called me to stretch my limits, rise above mediocrity, and confront the barriers I had unwittingly built around myself. Had I placed my trust solely in my own abilities rather than surrendering to God's greater plan? Was there a hidden fear lurking beneath the surface, hindering me from forging ahead? Do I have a fear of failure? I began to wrestle with the distinction between the truths I held and the deceptive lies I had come to believe. What might God desire for me to pursue, and how did that differ from my current path?
As I continued my intimate dialogue with the Holy Spirit, the conversations blossomed into a rich exchange that significantly heightened my understanding and strengthened my faith in Him. This process of reflection has transformed into a wellspring of healing, providing me with the courage to fully embrace and internalize His transformative truths about my true identity.
Before you do anything, put your trust totally in God and not in yourself. Then every plan you make will succeed. ~Proverbs 16:3 TPT
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