Vicar's View

December 2007

Life is a team sport. That's a quote from one of our recent meetings of our new Men's Ministry group here at Holy Redeemer. You've heard the cliche that there is no "I" in team (it's true by the way), and there's no "I" in life. God didn't intend for us to go through this life struggling as individuals trying to make it all on our own! No one knew this better than legendary college basketball coach John Wooden. He stressed to his players the importance of team over individual play. As a result, his selfless players collectively went on to win championship after championship.

If you ever meet John Wooden on the street, ask him to show you the card in his wallet. His father made him carry it since he was young. It says, "Be true to yourself. Make each day your masterpiece, help others, drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible, make friendship a fine art, build a shelter against a rainy day, pray for guidance, count and give thanks for your blessings every day."

I am thankful God gave us the gift of a "team" consisting of our family members, friendships, and the church. Most importantly, I am thankful that God gave us the gift of Himself in the person of the Holy Spirit to comfort us. The holidays can be a particularly challenging emotional time for many of us for a number of reasons. It's times like these I am so grateful we are never alone; the Holy Spirit is always our faithful companion. May God bless you and keep you!

Vicar Craig