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by Rob Globke
Back in my professional playing days, I was never a super star. I was what most would call a "checker" or "grinder" when I played at the AHL level. At the NHL level, I probably wasn't even considered a grinder. I was often a healthy scratch or one who played very little minutes over the course of the game. This role was by no means physically taxing compared to my teammates who played more minutes. It was, however, mentally and emotionally draining.
It was like this because I was always on the edge of my seat. I often never knew if I was playing the day before a game or even the day of the game. Sometimes, I would take warmups and be told I was playing right before game time. So, I would always have to prepare as if I was playing, but didn't always know if that would be the case.
Looking back on it, I spent hours upon hours preparing to play games I never was sure I would play. I took the time to practice and train to be ready. I made sure my skates were sharpened, my stick taped, and my body loose. I studied game film. I ate pre game meals. I took naps so I was well rested (not complaining on this one!). I rode the bike in between periods to keep my legs ready. I stayed alert. I spent the time to make sure I was ready for the game; or, the shift I might have to take.
Being Ready for Hockey
Reading Luke 12:35-40, I reflect back on these times and wonder if I am as ready and prepared for the day Jesus will come again as I was for my hockey games. Much like my playing days, I don't know when that will be, but Luke is clear that this doesn't matter. I must be "dressed for action" and waiting. It is often easy to get caught up in the day to day activities of life and forget about that day when we will stand face to face with the Lord. I don't want to forget to be ready. I don't want Christ to come back and find me "not ready to go". I don't want to be complacent. I don't want to be lazy about the state of my spiritual life. I want to be alert, awake, anticipating his return. I want to be ready.
Being Ready Spiritually
The questions then become....Are you ready? Are you taking the time to prepare for that day? What do you spend your time on? These questions are good and help us to remember....."to be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast..."
Are You Ready?
