A Prayer for Sports on the Mission Field

I wrote this prayer for my son, but maybe you can adopt it too.

A Prayer for Playing Sports on the Mission Field

God of big and small matters, my son is out there playing European football, running, passing, vying for control of the ball alongside other little boys who live in our town. As I watch, I am more aware of how much he needs you as he goes about his missionary kid life.

Be with him as he makes the switch from English-speaking MK to Spanish-speaking footballer. 

Thank you for what you’ve already done in this little world he occupies. That he understands his teammates, that he follows instructions from the coach, that his little body benefits from the physical exertion of playing sports. 

Thank you for the opportunity you give us through soccer to meet other families, to make friends. Help us to avoid seeing the team as a project, as only an opportunity, because it’s also our son’s life, and it’s supposed to be fun. Help us not to make football an idol: the only way to meet people, go to college, fit in, look like we belong here.

Instead, help us remember that we belong here because you have placed us here, you have called us to be a light to these people. 

I see him still a little off to the side, still a little apart from the other kids, and it makes me sad. I see him under the pressure of the coach’s words, feeling timid, shy, maybe not wanting to use his voice. I see him choosing the easy route. Help me see my child the way you see him, God. Help me see the lessons you have for him, the way sports teach our children unique lessons about hard work, perseverance, how to win and lose well.

As my son walks with you, let him see you at work through football, but protect him from making football his entire identity, making football an idol.

Oh God, it seems so inconsequential, but I pray for skills. Make him excel at football, give him confidence, give him influence. And give him the character of a godly leader so he wields that influence well, for your glory.

Grow him physically, so he will compete. Grow him mentally, so he will persevere. Grow him spiritually, so he will boldly declare the One who gives all good gifts. 

Let joy and play—good gifts from his father in Heaven—rule him when others are complaining and bitter. Let effort and strength emanate, and help him to apply those traits in every area of his life both on and off the field. Amen.

Some Confetti

:: I’ve been reading Sarah Clarkson’s new book Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention, and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I was surprised by how applicable I’ve found the tips for cultivating quiet, as well as how helpful the prayers and prompts have been. Available November 1.

:: Unpopular Opinion: I did not ultimately enjoy Nobody Wants This, though I desperately wanted to. I thought they were mean to each other (all the characters, zero exceptions) and glorified very selfish behavior. The “ick” episode? NO. People are beautiful, in all their weirdness, and we must learn to accept them just as we are accepted. Also, I thought Noah’s family had a point. He’d wanted to be a rabbi since he was a child.

:: Movie kick: Had some sick days recently and watched two movies back to back that go quite nicely together: Dead Poets Society and Mona Lisa Smile. I might be on a films about inspirational teachers kick (but I think it’s time to find one that is a bit more diverse).

:: Craft it: Every couple of days, I make a bunch of these (two stars out of each toilet paper roll). I plan to have a lot by Christmas time, and I’ll string them up all over the house with other delightful, handmade or found Christmas goodies, like pine cones, dried orange slices, rosemary wreaths, and cotton angels.

Shop & Empower

Here’s a small roundup on my favorite nativities from Fair Trade organizations around the world. Please do not buy your nativities from Amazon when there are artisans around the world making unique, culturally respectful pieces.

1. Olive Wood Creche from the West Bank, 2. Heirloom Nativity from India, 3. Contemporary Java Nativity from Indonesia, 4. Harmony Nativity bundle from Nepal (hand felted! This one can be purchased in sets as well: angel and animals, three kings, Nepali nativity).