Last night the NCAA Division One Collegiate Basketball Tournament proper began. Sixty-four of the best teams are seeking to be crowned champions. We always see great basketball in the NCAA Tournament. We don’t always win, but there are usually some really good games.
The ACC looked terrible last night. All our teams were lucky to come away with a win. We turned off the NC State game and went to bed knowing that they were going to lose… and woke to a great buzzer beater surprise. I am glad all our ACC teams won (even the baby blue one).
Basketball players… from the time they are kids in the driveway or backyard are dreaming about making it to the Big Dance. The Big Dance is the NCAA Tournament – the place where all your skills are played out on the big stage. It just may be that place where the thing we have practiced in the driveway all those years comes true: 4-3-2-1 he shoots and hits. We win the game.
There is another Big Dance going on that many times we miss… the Big Dance called a life that matters… where we are not afraid to get involved and live our lives to the fullest.
What made me think of this was a video we made for Stephen and Joy for Noah’s first birthday. The music behind the video was a prayer by Lee Ann Womack entitled “I Hope You Dance.”
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leaves you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin’ might mean takin’ chances, but they’re worth takin’
Lovin’ might be a mistake, but it’s worth makin’
Don’t let some Hellbent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin’ out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
Did you hear those words: “When you get the chance to sit it out or dance… I hope you dance.” Enjoy these games – these guys are dancing. Enjoy the fullness of your life and keep on dancing… and give faith a fighting chance.
You will notice at the bottom of the header (above) are a list of my books. I have added the last one so you can order The Grieving Heart in paperback form. All the other books are eBooks. I hope that you will take the opportunity to read these and I hope they will help to bring you comfort and grace in time of need.
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The Journey 