Any basketball players out there? I played basketball in high school. I know; you’re already impressed. What position you ask? I played the famous left bench position. Not the right bench position where you are sitting close to the coach ready for immediate execution of his orders to jump in and deliver while the starter player gets some rest. No, the left bench, which is far away from the coach. In fact, it’s so far away from the coach that he might not even know that you are on the team. My claim to fame is that I was good enough to make it on the team, just not good enough to play. The worst place to be. What I didn’t know at the time was that through all the strenuous practices, endless drills, enduring the physical torture and verbal abuse, I actually became a more confident player. But a confident player amongst the less elite athletes, the athletes of a local church league.
We were at the last game of the season knowing that if we won this game, we would have the chance to make it into the playoffs, and eventually become the world champions. I mean, the local church league winner of our small division B league. This is where it all happened. I knew that someday this story would be published for the world to read, and finally, it has come to fruition.
Momentum was the key word for this game. We were coming back from behind and for some reason, I was hot. I was making smart passes, and ending up in numerous assists. My shots were going in from all around the perimeter, and I was diving for loose balls and turning them into points. Yes, momentum. I was gaining momentum; it was like the movie where the good guys are coming back from behind and it’s time for the main character (me) to deliver the final shot for the win.
Fifteen seconds left on the clock and my teammate is dribbling the ball down the court. I position myself behind the 3 point line on the left wing, mentally preparing for the final shot. The ball eventually came to me. Their zone defense slowly crept up toward me, but it was too late for them…3.2.1…my shot went up…and…wait for it….IN!!!! The crowd went wild, the whole crowd in the bleachers erupted and ran out towards the court, towards me, all 10 of them. My team lifted me up on to their shoulders, and we screamed and celebrated our win. It was epic, surreal and amazing. I am getting chills now just writing about it.
Reflecting on my life right now, momentum was the first thought that came in to my mind. I am slowly gaining confidence and clarity since the significant career change from an employee to an employer, just 3 months ago. The fears are slowly subsiding and being replaced by hopes of opportunities and sustainability. But most of all, my need and my desire to cling on to my Savior is increasing. I am realizing that I don’t hold the key to my own destiny, in fact, I am simply a recipient of His grace. Examples after examples of my good passes and shots that went in in my life have very little to do with me. It came through His divine appointments and His orchestrated conversations and introductions. I will continue to give Him credit and continue to hold on to His promises and just follow where He is leading me. I am not sure where that is yet, but I hope eventually, it will lead me to His shoulders as he gently carries me off the court, celebrating our victory of a life well served, and the life well lived.
16 comments: On Momentum
You r an inspiration, Hanju! It’s a honor to know you and to call u my friend!
Thanks for reading Esther!! And thanks for your kind words. Love your family being part of our lives.
I didn’t know you played basketball! Great blog. Now I know where you find the inspiration to pull off those improbable shots in golf. Best of luck in your new
endeavor. Looks like your already on your way to success.
Thanks bro. Yeah, my next blog is gonna be on golf. LOL!!
Powerful, Hanju. Majority if us can relate to you, not the one who was always a starter every game. So cool that you were able to capture this incredible moment in your life and apply it so positively now. Thank so much for sharing,
Thanks Nancy. What? You weren’t a superstar all the time? 🙂
I like it a lot. There’s a movie in here somewhere. You just have to fill in the other 7
70 minutes. 🙂
Thanks Don. Maybe add some romance, an agent and a cute little kid into the mix and we got ourselves a next Jerry Mcguire. Hahaha!
Great story and good writing! I agree we are not as in control as we think and its a little scary sometimes, but its best turn our concerns or worries into prayers and appreciation! I am working on this…:-)
Yeah, definitely a place where your faith can be tested. Trust is huge. Looking forward to hanging out in November.
Hard to believe, but I like you even more than before. OK, you can have my daughters hand in matrimony. Oh, we did that already. Seriously, you write very well and you are an inspiration Great story and well said!
What? I finally get your approval after 20 years? Haha! Thanks Dad. You raised your children well.
hey Hanju, this is a very cool blog. Keep it up. Next time I am back in Socal we definitely need to meet up for lunch or coffee.
Thanks Joe, yeah for sure. Let me know when you are in town, we have lots of catching up to do.
Hanjulee, tears are streaming down my face as I reed your blogs. You are a wonderful man of God and it was a joy being your Italian Mother. Love you and your friendship with my Johnny.
Love you Gigi! So blessed having your amazing family be part of my crucial teen years providing safety in your home and always welcoming me with food and laughter!
Sliding Sidebar
Recent Comments
Recent Posts