That song keeps buzzing through my mind because the volleyball team I'm on for the Michael Chang Christian Sports League took home the championship trophy earlier today! I've played every year for the past five years, and though the members of the team have changed here and there, we all seem to feel a collective camaraderie for the teams submitted through Chinese Baptist Church, which my team was.
Two years ago, we were undefeated and earned a bye in the playoffs, only to lose in the second round of playoffs. Last year, we had another strong season and went all the way to the championships but fizzled out due to nerves, tentative playing, and blowing a huge lead that my superstar friend Nick had carved out for us. It was a very tough loss (we didn't even get to play a third set since we lost the first two), and many of us were bitterly disappointed.
This year, we were determined to be different. Our team was named "Catch the Spirit" and was made up mostly of the same people from last year. The competition level in our division seemed to dip a bit from years past, and that combined with us being a strong team resulted in us losing only once en route to the championships today. We were set to play against a young team called the "Peacemakers", who happened to be the only team that beat us. Prior to today, we actually had played them three times, winning 2-1, losing 0-3, and winning 2-1.
Last night, I got to thinking about being in competitive mode. I'm a rather focused and competitive person but have tried to ease up the past few years. I try to get back to enjoying the sport regardless of the score or how the team is playing and trying to keep the team spirit up. Since this is a Christian Sports League, the main focus is on relationships rather than winning, and honestly, I feel guilty sometimes when my team is dominating others. I get tempted to scale back and not play as hard, but that often backfires because the opposing team IS playing hard and wants to win too. Last night, I resolved to go into the championships with "no mercy".
It paid off. And I'm glad to say that on my way to the game this afternoon, I was in a relaxed, peaceful mode as my soul conversed with God. In the secret place, in the things unspoken, I found the balance where I didn't need to come into the gym revved up. I didn't need to train my mind to have a winning mentality or to visualize our opponents as someone to vanquish. I simply played with freedom- focused but loose, and allowing my body and my skills to fall naturally in line with what was happening. Sure, there were a few moments of concern when the game score was close, but I was able to play some of my best volleyball of the season today, and it was the perfect time to have my game on. Our team won the first two games, so there was no need to play a third.
I am very proud of my teammates and what we were able to accomplish after so many years of trying. While the trophy was nice, it didn't bring about a tremendously deep sense of elation, which surprised me a little bit. I'm glad though, for it shows that it really wasn't about the trophy. I guess the feeling I have is...satisfaction. I'm very happy for the team and that the trophy will be kept at CBC, but for myself, I'm just glad to have played well and with that freedom I mentioned.
I'd like to live life like that. To look back at the end of my days and feel like I lived in Christ's freedom and to feel a sense of satisfaction that I lived well, with focus and purpose and didn't lose sight of what was most important. I'm still in discovery of what that freedom means, but I'm happy to have experienced some of it in my life, and I look forward to more.
"Dear God, thank you for today. I pray that You were honored in my worship and conduct. Thank you for the freedom to play and to live. Show me more with each day what living in Christ's freedom means and use it to bless others for Your Kingdom. Thank you for the breathtaking beauty You place all around me. In Jesus' Name, Amen".
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