Life is Like Bowling

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,

A year or so ago, my bible study group decided to go bowling for a bonding event. None of us were very good, but we thought it would be a fun way to get to know one another. Little did we suspect that we had picked league night for our little adventure. As I watched our group, I noticed how differently each person threw the ball. Every stride, throw, and release was unique to each bowler. Some walked slowly to the lane and release awkwardly while others lobbed the ball high into the air before it landed into the lane with an ear-pounding thud.

In our embarrassment, we began to look around us at the seasoned bowlers on the league teams for tips. Although each league team bowled differently, they were precise in their walk, stance and throw. Their bodies were under their control, so that when the ball was released, it would glide down the lane and solidly hit the pins. Since most of us had not bowled in many years and we were a little embarrassed to be bowling next to the league bowlers. After our one game, we quickly left and spent the rest of the time talking in the deli.

Like those league bowlers, I also tend to look for a perfect spin on life. I want a life-fulfilling job, a completely understanding spouse, angelic children, a self-cleaning house and always supportive friends, but my searching is useless when I am out of control on the inside. My life spins out of control because I am not correctly positioned on the inside. When I started to correct my inside life and aligned it with God’s Word, I realized that God had already given me everything I needed. I just couldn’t see it when I was in the way. Like bowling, I must correct my spin to win.