It’s time to get in the game! Go. Go. Go.
In case you didn’t know, I’m not a sports girl. Never have been – never will be! I remember being so defiant in school in PE class. I didn’t want to play, you couldn’t make me play, and I didn’t play. It was my choice.
I was always the last one chose to be on the team. I still have flash backs to this day! Not really! Actually it makes me laugh. I mean seriously with my attitude, who would have wanted me on their team?
I chose not to participate. I chose to sit on the bench pouting. I chose to not be a part.
I see this old attitude I use to have presented in daily life.
People long to be a part of something, but they’re stuck on the bench.
Are you longing to be a part of something?
Do you yearn for community and connection?
Are you fearful of being the last one chosen?
Are you sitting on the bench?
Today is the day to join in!
Others can’t make you want to participate. They can, however, help you get started and show you the way. Some will even cheer you on, but first you have to . . . get off the bench!
Get in the game.
Side note: This mom has been singing the song “Get’cha Head in the Game” from High School Musical while writing this post. Crazy – seriously somebody help me!
Joining up with Lisa-Jo for Five Minute Friday writing for 5 about the word “join.”
Cara says
I can’t help but find it interesting how much your post relates to what is on my mind right now. Thanks for the encouragement. :)
Positively Alene says
There’s a stirring among us. Rise up, join, and get in the game. Cheering you on!
Kim McClure says
I, too, was singing that song as I read your post. My family and I have moved frequently and God has shown me that I need to get in the game and put myself out there in order to form new friendships, instead of choosing to wait in the corner until something happens.
Positively Alene says
Mercy – moving is hard! After 23 years of military life it never became easy. The worst for me was finding a new church. Leaving friends was hard too – I think I always went in to a new place with walls up knowing I’d be leaving in a few years. Hope you jump in and participate — it’s the best and most fun way!
Elizabeth,@ wynnegraceappears says
Alene, you have the gift of ecouragement friend. Love it!! Thank you for your postive, life-affirming, joy-filled spirit. Its contagious. So glad to see your beautiful smiling face at Lisa-Jo’s.
Positively Alene says
Thank you for your encouragement today! Totally needed and much appreciated. Always a joy to hear from you.
Sarah says
Love love love this community.
Thank you for sharing!
Positively Alene says
Coming to visit you!
Melissa says
Joining in and stepping out can be scary but it can be so beneficial … Love the attitude that comes through from your words!
Positively Alene says
Yep yep yep – scary. I never liked sports so I didn’t join in, but truth was probably more along the lines that I didn’t think I was good enough. It was easier to sit it out, but I did long to be part of the team. I wanted to connect. I connected in tons of other ways – just never brave enough to get off the sports bench.
Diana Denis says
You have this mom now laughing and singing the same song…GREAT! I didn’t sit on the sidelines, I was crazy and jumped right in without really knowing what I was doing. So glad I was greeted by women who wanted to include me. I’m thrilled to be in the game!
Positively Alene says
It’s a gift to make others feel welcomed when they get brave enough to jump in. Thankful you were greeted that way! I might need to watch High School Musical this weekend — still singing here! LOL
Mary Beth says
That song was in my head by the end of your post before you even said it!! haha!
I always sat on the sidelines too because I wasn’t any good so I’d just rather not even try. I’m learning to abandon that thinking and just put myself out there!
Positively Alene says
I have no idea if you are still singing that song — but I AM!! I think I’ll exercise to that song today — get off the bench and move and groove. Maybe I could even dance like the video. Cracking myself up!!
marcy says
Get’cha, Get’cha Get’cha head in the game and your buns off the bench. Needed that.
Positively Alene says
Buns off the bench – that’s good girl!
Nikki says
Confession: I used to lurk you, too, Alene! I’m so embarrassed now and for the life of me can’t remember why I didn’t want to get in the game. For who would want to miss out on this?!? God is good…so grateful for grace.
Love and hugs to you, friend! Thanks for all of your encouragement!
Positively Alene says
Girl – I can’t imagine you lurking anywhere. You have so much to offer and the spirit of kindness, peace, and Christ presence goes before you. Never lurk again friend — JUMP in! And hey — can you pull me along with you when you jump? I get a-scared some days!
Dolly@Soulstops says
Hey Alene,
I was chuckling in recognition with you about being picked last, or second to last…we seem to be on a similar track with this post…great analogy!
Blessings,
Dolly
Kathleen says
Haha! I can relate in many ways – It funny how things get stuck in our head when God is dealing with us in certain areas. Bless you for putting a smile on my face :)
Lisa says
My daughter was afraid of changing high schools. From a small Charter School, to her public High school. She just got the guts to “play the game”. Change is hard, but we find growth in the hard things.
Ro Paxman says
Yes. Yes. Yes. Need to get off of the bench. Your post makes me wonder how often I do that…Hmmm… Going to start watching out for it.
Stefanie Brown says
Ra-Ra-Sis-Boom-Bah!! So excited to share space in this community along with you:)))
p.s. I’m a HUGE sports fan:))
alisa says
Yes! I’m so glad I’m a part of God’s team! Even when I feel all alone, I know that the coach (Jesus) is by my side!
Karen says
I LOVE what you used for joining! thank you for this .. hope all is going well with you :)
Laura @ Pruning Princesses says
Hi Alene, There are so many things that I wish an adult had made me do. So I would learn. So being a grown up wasn’t so difficult because good habits will already be in place. Alas, I am hoping my girls will be able to teach their kids even more what they need to follow Christ in this crazy world. Starting homeschooling this past week so I’ve been busy learning new habits and info…kind of absent from the blogging world.
Amber Zaccagni says
I think for me, it’s always fear that holds me back from joining in. Something I’ve been working on overcoming. Baby steps. So glad i joined the FMF community and met you :)
Kristin says
Oh Alene, I think we are kindred spirits! I am not a sports gal either and all the women around me here are….what’s with that? :)
As for getting off the bench. . .a friend of mine and I started a homeless outreach program that gets started in 3 weeks. How’s that for getting up and out? ;)