This is the first in a new series of posts entitled, I read an article the other day. The thought behind it is that we can find inspiration or glean spiritual truths from even the most mundane, silly or common sources.
I read an article the other day about a man named David Ayres. I’m not a hockey guy but even the most hardcore of fans had probably never heard of David until last Saturday. Ayers works as a zamboni driver and serves as a backup goalie for the Toronto Maple Leafs. On Saturday, February 22, during a match between the Maples Leafs and the Carolina Hurricanes, the starting goalie for Carolina was injured and then the backup goalie got hurt. “…the Hurricanes were forced to turn to 42-year-old David Ayres, who was watching the game at Scotiabank Arena with his wife. (Home teams are required to have an emergency goalie on-call who is available to either team.)” Imagine being a spectator of a professional sporting event and all of a sudden being called to play in the game.
So, David donned all the pads and gear, stepped in front of the crease and made multiple saves, preserving the Hurricanes lead, assuring the win and instantaneously becoming a sports legend. Who doesn’t love it when an average joe gets his shot and actually becomes the hero? It’s the stuff sporting dreams are made of.
What would it look like if men, followers of Jesus, average Joes, rose up to embrace the moment? If there was ever a time in the history of humanity when the world needed dads, single men, teenagers, husbands, boys, to rise up and influence their communities or their cities for the Kingdom of God it is now. He has equipped us, He has called us, and maybe, just maybe it’s time for us to strap on our gear and get in the game. Brothers, you are more than conquerors but we have got to get off the bleachers for the sake of our families, our marriages, our friendships, our neighborhoods, our schools, our world. Let’s do this!
