“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

Second Chances

When I was a sophomore in high school I was the new kid on the block. I was eager to begin playing sports at my new school so I tried out for junior varsity volleyball. I took some bad advice from a teammate, did not represent myself well, and ended up getting cut. When the coach told me the news she said that it was such a hard decision for her and that I was the very last girl she cut. Somehow, that only made it worse.

I dejectedly began to walk out of the gym. The varsity coach saw me and jogged over to me. She informed me that she had been watching our tryouts (we were sharing the gym with the varsity team) and she liked what she saw in me. She told me to come back the next year and try out for her.

A year went by and I found myself back in the same gym. This time I was trying out for varsity volleyball without even playing a day of junior varsity. I was incredibly nervous. But, tryouts went well and I was chosen for the team.

For the next two years I played my heart out for that varsity coach. I played with gratitude towards her because she had given me a second chance. Because of that second chance, I was able to play a sport I loved.

God has given us so many chances. His mercies are new every single morning. He forgives, forgets, and tells us to do the same. So, shouldn’t we live every single day out of gratitude to Him? We should “play our hearts out” for Him and live every moment of every day for His honor and glory. Let’s start today.

— PAM TIMMER