Lunch with a Linebacker

I had lunch today with an NFL (National Football League) Linebacker. Okay, former NFL Linebacker, but still...
Steve Grant, Indianapolis Colts Linebacker, came and spoke to a group of kids today. I got to listen. It was for the kids, but I got some stuff out of it as well. No, not just an autographed sports card (which is kinda cool), but something from his message.
He is a speaker for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and had quite a story to tell about his growing up without a father, living in Miami and making lots of mistakes, deciding at age 7 he wanted to be in the NFL and how he got there. It was really great to see him making a connection with these "at risk" kids and giving them some hope that, If this guy can do it - maybe I can as well!
So we went to lunch. He was just as down-to-earth as anyone else and very real. Not blah blah blah religious stuff. Just coming from where he had been and trying to pass some of it on to help out others. Like we all try to do. He has went from unhealthy (spiritually speaking) to healthy.
He has Trademarked a saying, and I will post it here: "You're not born a winner. You're not born a loser. You're born a CHOOSER."
You can choose your path. You can choose to stay where you are, whether it is unhealthy or not, or you can choose to move forward to a better place. Its up to you. No one else. You don't just become a winner or loser. You are a chooser.
I like that.

I Hate Oswald Chambers

Many of you know of Oswald Chambers and the book "My Utmost For His Highest". For those who don't its a nice little devotional.

and I hate it.

Here's why. It speaks too me. Damnit.

I have used this devotional before. Devotionals have a way of presenting something new each time you read or reread them. Same with this one. They have a way of focusing my day on a certain point. One that usually needs focusing on. Its like Oswald is in my lil' head and saying whatever it is that is on my mind. It challenges, humbles and at times humiliates me about my own selfishness.

I used to do a devotional every day for the obvious reasons of drawing closer to God, but also as a time to reflect on myself as well. It was part of my spiritual discipline. The last few years have been sort of tumultous for me, as it is for anyone who goes through some major life changes, and I kind of put aside my devotional time.

I have recently started it again, and am reading Oswald Chambers once more each morning before starting my busy, bureaucratic day. It seems to help, though I can't really explain it.

Think about God. Think less about yourself. Think of others. Be a good influence. Get over your own ambitions and listen to God.

Thanks Oswald.