The Biggest Loser

One of our family’ summer traditions is softball. For the past 12 summers, my husband (R) has played on our men’s team. Although the games start in late April, my daughter (CJ) & I don’t go until school’s out. Last year, our team lost on the first night we were able to go.

Several years ago, I dreaded the ride home after we lost a game. But R’s mellowed (translation, gotten older) and losing’s not SO much of a big deal anymore. Not so for CJ. The minute we got in the car, she said “You guys stink! I’m not coming to any more of your games!”

Funny thing was, that was the first loss of the season. Still, CJ couldn’t accept that R’s team was any good, because she’d only seen them lose. At first, I laughed at CJ’s comment because it seemed so ridiculous. Then I started thinking…

How many times do I look like a “loser” to others? I lose my temper. I lose control. I lose my patience. I just LOSE IT. And no matter how many times I’ve read my Bible, prayed, served God, or just gotten it right…those people who just saw me lose will find it hard to believe that I’m not a LOSER. Sure, I know I’m a winner because of Jesus. I know I will finish the race in Heaven. I know He forgives every time I ask Him (Praise you, Sweet Jesus!). But do they? Can they believe I’m a winner if they’ve only seen me lose?

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run is such a way that you may win.” -1 Corinthians 9:24