I love sports. Such a metaphor for life. The whole training, training, training for maybe one or two, perhaps many, moments off the bench.

Star or not, an athlete has to train day in and day out, do his reps, just like the stars.

My nephew lives in basketball country and has played since he was a kid. He’s a great ball handler and shooter, but not one of the “big men” on the court. At 5’7 ish, he had to perfect his three pointer.

This one particular game, he didn’t get much play. He road the bench a lot. His team was down by 2 with 10 seconds to go in the game. Coach put in all the shooters.

With the clock winding down, my nephew, Caleb Huntington, had the ball passed to him. He was so far at the top of the court he was almost out of bounds.

The clock counted down… 4 – 3 – 2 — He took the shot at the buzzer. Did all those hours of training pay off? Listen to the announcer.

Amazing! Nothing but net. I love the excitement. The cheers. The “Caleb Huntington!! At the buzzer!!” He did what he knew to do. His training and diligence paid off.

Getting the shot at the buzzer is a rare chance. Most of the game is played and won by making those 2-point baskets, rebounding, playing defense.

Life is the same way. We live day-in-and-day-out doing ordinary things like cleaning, doing dishes, going to work, raising our kids, serving at church, or in the community. But if, per chance, the coach puts you in the game with 10 seconds left and your teammate passes you the ball, are you in shape enough to make the shot when the buzzer sounds?

I know I want to be. Diligent and faithful in the little things so if I get a glory moment, the muscle memory of my heart and mind knows exactly what to do. All for Him.

Nothing but net!