Every year at this time I enjoy watching the process of high school footballers signing their letters of intent to play at colleges all over the country.  I've enjoyed it since I was a boy, watching from the stands with my Dad on Friday nights as my heroes 10 years older blocked and tackled and ran.  He and I would follow these "big boys" as they signed their names and then took a step up in stages.

Through the years I've enjoyed watching quite a number of them play and achieve (one was the son of my father's college roommate and quarterbacked into the pro ranks, another is playing in the ranks today, others are coming through our own student ministry today).  My excitement for them has gone from the thrill of the game to a joy in their ability to live their faith in the spotlight.

There have been disappointments along the way, as all haven't always starred or even finished, however, so the day this year's class signed on the dotted line (2/3/10) I was reflecting on a bit more than how many my favorite school signed.  I was hoping their hearts were set on aspirations higher than what doesn't last and glory that doesn't fade.

I hope they never consider themselves unwanted if their dreams of sport glory (or any other human stage) don't materialize.  We are all deeply loved and valued.

It's so wonderful to know how fully God loves every one of us, whether we have marketable skills or not.  We are all deeply loved and passionately sought by him (recruited?) through His Spirit.  As we respond to His loving invitation, we are not merely a part of a loyal following, we are adopted and given status as an heir to the glories of His Kingdom (Romans 8:16).  He not only offers to "pay our way", but makes us children of His family line.

So, whether you're getting calls from the media today or not, wrap your thoughts around your fantastic identity, never to change, that you are deeply loved and valued on more than your potential.  The victory's been won and our Lord wants you for His own.

Wonder if there is football in heaven and if so, who divides up the teams and who recruits...?

Expectantly,

Kevin