There is no way Indiana’s mens basketball team can be on its way to a
Sweet Sixteen matchup with the Kentucky Wildcats this weekend without me saying
something about this season. What strikes me about Coach Tom Crean’s
squad isn’t just the number of times they have won, but the joy we see in the
way these athletes play the game.
I was in a corner of Assembly Hall the night Christian Watford launched the
3-point shot that beat Kentucky earlier this season. It was a great
moment in IU athletic history, but what I remember about the night is the
energy and joy I saw in the players. I was close enough to watch the
expressions on their faces. They encouraged one another, they cheered one
another, and they laughed with delight at a steal or a breakaway dunk.
What stands out about this team is the joy.
Each seems to have a clear sense of their role. If sitting on the bench
will help, that is what they’ll do. If handling the ball while giving up
scoring opportunities will help the team, that is what they’ll do.
Maybe there is a lesson in there for us…how we do life together in the name of
Christ.
Jesus says (John 13) that it is in serving one another and God that we find
joy. Whatever happens Friday night, I am thankful for this season of joy
on the hardwood.
(Hard to believe: last Saturday I was pulling past the drive thru window of a
local fast food restaurant, and the very pleasant manager said, “Root for
Kentucky this weekend.” I stopped the car and said, “I’ll not be rooting
for the boys in blue.” Can you believe what he asked me to do -in
Bloomington the weekend of the VCU game?! I was, however, rooting for
Purdue against Kansas. Congratulations to the Boilermakers on a
magnificent effort and good season.)
In Christ and for Christ,
Mark
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