“The Club”

When I start a sport, I want to be part of “the club.”  People in the club not only look the part, but really know what they’re doing from equipment to training to clothing.  Part of being in “the club” consists of working hard and striving to be the best at the sport.  This drives me on like none other.  I want to bike fast, swim fast, swing well, and put in the hours to do so.  Now with many sports multiple clubs form to accommodate the different levels.  For example, in biking one finds the recreational bikers, the commuters, the cyclists, the triathletes, ect.  (FYI: I made up these “titles” on the fly).  Each “club” has different expectations, a different look, and a different purpose.  Since I’m a crazed sports addict, I usually prefer the competitive, hardcore, intense “club.”  I want to jump right into all the aspects of the hardcore, intense “club” in whatever sport I’m participating.  Hence why I invested in a sweet awesome bike (I rode it tonight and am still in love…maybe it needs a name? suggestions?).  I also doled out the cash for sweet awesome dorky bike shorts and a jersey that matches my bike.  All of this to say that I felt like part of “the club” tonight.  While I was biking along praising the Lord for the gorgeous night and the ways He’s worked in my life recently, the other “hardcore” intense bikers with their padded shorts nodded and gave me the knowing look–the look that says, “Sweet. You’re a cyclist too.”  I ate it up.  The camaraderie and encouragement that comes from these moments empowers me to pedal harder, go farther and find more joy as well as continue to excel at the sport and learn more so that I can become an expert.  In the same way, when I interact and see other Christians, I am propelled to crack open my Bible, dive into prayer, and fight the good fight.  I heard a testimony tonight that gave me renewed encouragement and drive to live every aspect of my life with passion for God including the times spent on the road while wearing the awesome dorky bike pants.