storms reveal character

sometimes storms force plans to change
the one that hovered over this pitch we were supposed to play on at 4:30
brought rain and hail and lightning
not only was our game delayed, the venue had to be changed
the turf we moved to was wet and slippery, 
but it had lights and it wasn't muddy
we had a mix of sun and rain during the game
and after sunset the air got cold
what a way to end a three day travelling stretch

isn't life like this?
we go hard, we make plans,
do all of the prep work to get where we need to be and...

stuff messes up "the plan"
our parade gets rained on
we are pelted with concerns
things threaten our safety
something(s) come up and cause delays
the atmosphere changes
things become uncomfortable
it is day ___ of a grueling schedule
and nothing seems to be going right

I love my guys. I watched them this afternoon and evening
as they waited to find out if the five driving hours to get there were wasted
as they tried to keep stretched and ready to play in cramped quarters

some are injured
all are tired
none were overly excited about getting home later
but when we were cleared to start the game
they went out and played
even while it rained 
        and it was cold 
              and they were uncomfortable
the storm revealed their character

"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young,

 but set an example for the believers 

in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."

1 Timothy 4:12

*One of my guys asked me if I wanted his rain jacket to wear when the game started. I told him sure. At halftime it was raining and I was taking it off to give to him. He refused to take it. I told him I was okay under my large umbrella and I wanted him to be warmer. He said he wasn't worried about himself. He wanted me to be taken care of. Before the second half began he asked me if it was helping to keep me warm. I told him yes. He smiled a big smile and said "good" and went back out on the pitch. Thanks Nick.