My March Madness

I have spent all my life living in Kentucky and if there is one thing we know here, it is basketball!  And along with basketball comes MARCH MADNESS!  March is one big holiday celebration in this part of the country.  We all know that Kentucky is home of the greatest college rivalry, some of the best players, and what I believe to be is the greatest basketball team in the nation, The University of Kentucky.

...but this post is not about my love for the CATS.  Now, don't get me wrong!  I love me some Big Blue Nation and the fact that the Wildcats are still dancing this March.  I will watch every nail bitter with excitement and hope that we bring home number nine soon!

Rather this post is about how God smacked me upside the head last night at the end of the biggest game of the year.

You see, I spent most of this week nervous and anxious for the big game.  I talked about it to just about everyone I came into contact with, because let's face it we are all experts at basketball by the time March rolls around in the  Bluegrass State.  I wore endless amount of blue, spent tons of time reading about all the hype and I planned my schedule around the game of the week.  And in those final seconds when it became clear that we got another W, when my heart was pounding, tears were forming in my eyes, and I was finally able to breath again; I was reminded that my priorities are a little out of order.  God said, "What about me?"

And then I realized that God was pushed to the back burner this week.  I spent more time reading Kentucky Sports Radio then I did reading my Bible.  I shared my predictions for the game and talked about all our players, but not once did I share Christ with those around me.  I cheered my heart out each time Kentucky scored, but when was the last time I cheer that loud when I discovered someone accept Christ into their heart?  This week, I  became consumed with worldly things and lost focus of what was really important.

And then the more I thought about it, God has taken a back seat for some time now.  My schedule is packed and my to-do lists are long and many times I fail to put God as a priority in my everyday life.  I rush through my daily Bible study, I don't pray near as often as I should, and I always have an excuse as to why I can't do something that would impact His kingdom.  I often chicken out and miss opportunities to tell those around me about His love.  I'm so bold in my love for UK and tons of other things, but am I as bold about my love for Christ?

When life gets busy, it is difficult to not lose focus of what is important.  Sometimes I just need a little kick in the butt to remind me of what really matters.  Right now, as I'm thinking about what I need to do this week, and even about the game tomorrow afternoon; I'm reminding myself to place God at the top of my list.  Proclaiming His love and glorifying Him will be my goal each day.  Everything I do and say should point to Him.  He should be my main focus and the reason I cheer.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be."  --Luke 12:34