There are moments we experience in life that will shape our future. I had one of these moments in 7th grade. Having just been cut from the basketball team, I was desperate to find my niche in the athletic world. My brother was trying out for the school wrestling team, and it seemed like a good idea for me too. After the coach gave us the "I'm going to make a man out of you speech," practice began. While doing a drill called "Merry Go Rounds," a size 13 shoe landed right in my face, knocking me off my feet and onto my back. With a bloody lip and a bruised ego, I walked over to my gym bag, picked it up and walked out the door. This was not the sport for me.
I preceded to call my parents and tell them to come get me. They asked if practice was over, and I responded, "it is for me." When they pulled up to the school they met me in the parking lot. I informed them that I was ready to go, but they informed me differently. My parents let me know that under NO circumstances were they going to allow me to quit. I, of course, asked why? They're response: "Derek, if we let you quit now, you will quit everything you ever start." I ended up wrestling for the next 6 years and won a state title.
That moment shaped so many of my decisions in the years to come. There have been so many times in life and ministry, that I have wanted to throw in the towel and walk away. And every time, I have been brought back to that moment. This past weekend, I was reminded that my Lord and Savior didn't quit. He saw is mission through to the end and declared, "It is finished." I thank God for the wisdom of my parents, and that they loved me enough to make sure I finished what I started. I thank Jesus Christ for loving me enough to not quit. You always have a choice, but the choice to quit will leave you with regret.
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