Triumph

Today was different. It brought back an experience that I once had, but it was different.

I had the chance to watch my brother's graduation from good ole' Powell High School and receive his Phd. Yes I know what Phd stands for, Powell High Diploma. I went to the graduation excited and nervous at the same time. On one hand I was expecting another graduation, but knowing that my brother was graduating made it a little more special. Don't get me wrong, I'm positive so many other parents, brothers, sisters, etc. were experiencing the same emotions as me but it's my story so I'll cry if I want to. Not really cry, I am a man, but brag on Tucker. I got lost in my thoughts as I sat in my seat at Thompson Bowling Arena, one of the worst places on earth (sorry I am a Kentucky fan). Getting lost in my thoughts included listening to a man make verbal threats about how he was gonna get rowdy, and tear someone a new one because everyone was saving seats. Suck, is a good word to describe that moment in time. While trying to be patient through all the speeches, awards, and music I kept getting more excited about the sight of seeing Tuck walk across the stage. Finally after all the shenanigans, it was time to witness history. Tuck got up from his seat already pumped up and walked to the podium to hand the speaker his name tag. In that moment, I was taken right back to myself walking across the stage and remembering the feeling of absolute joy. Well that same feeling came back, as I stood up with my family and friends and cheered on Tuck. That wasn't the best part. The best was when he was walking back to his seat and raised his arms in the air and pure triumph. It was one of the moments I will never forget.

If you really knew me, Hardball is my favorite movie of all time. For those who have missed out on life and haven't seen the movie, it is, as a good friend said just recently, the urban version of The Sandlot. The only thing is Hardball trumps Sandlot. I will stand by my words against whomever wants to debate. The reason I bring this up is because this is what Tuck looked like. No, he was not on the arms of other people, even though that would have been hilarious, but it was this scene of pure joy that I can't describe with words. Instead I'll let the man, the myth, the legend Keanu Reeves say it: 

“Watching him raise his arms in triumph as he ran to first base, I swear I was lifted in that moment to a better place. I swear he lifted the world in that moment. He made a better person. Even if just for that moment. I am forever grateful to Jarius for that.”

This quote sums up how God used Tucker to remind me of Him and how I felt whenever He found me dead in my sin. I also feel like this is how God, Jesus, and Heaven feels whenever one sinner is found. Man...what a picture to think about. Getting a little choked up so I'm gonna push through. 

A piece of scripture that comes to mind is Luke 5:27-32 and the story of Jesus calling Levi. So far, Jesus has handled a paralytic, a leper, and a demoniac. Now He is ready for he worst of the group, a tax collector. Tax collectors were despised as traitors and extortioners. They were put into a class of their own that was excluded from the Jewish faith. But here is Jesus and He calls Levi to leave his booth and "Follow Me." Levi drops everything and follows. This must have been a monster sacrifice seeing that tax collectors were normally wealthy. Then Levi throws a great feast for Jesus in his own house! Kidding me? That's awesome. One reason Levi threw the party was because he wanted his friends to meet Jesus. A bunch of sinners to be exact. 

A couple of thoughts to take away from this:

- I love that Jesus is attracted to the nasty, smelly, despised people of society. That isn't to say Jesus doesn't love those who are wealthy, He does. But His heart is moved toward those who are the outcasts. 

- I love that Levi drops literally everything and follows Jesus. Can't imagine the luxury he was willing to leave behind to find life. He found it by golly. 

- I love that Levi threw Jesus a party and he immediately wanted his friends to meet Jesus. That is a clear image of the Holy Spirit moving through Levi and wanting others to know about Him. 

- Jesus had to be overjoyed. The story goes on to talk about how the religious leaders questioned Jesus and how He could eat with sinners. They basically were trying to blame Him for being too happy. What fools....funny thing is, I am that fool. I do that often. I'm thankful for grace and that He has moved my heart to be like Levi and share Jesus with others. 

The main thought/image I get of this is Jesus celebrating with Levi and finding one of His lost sheep. A set of arms lifted high as Levi said yes to the call, and a set of arms rejoicing over Jesus coming into his life. Both lead back to God and using Jesus to find His lost children. 

I get the unbelievable chance to serve at Windy Gap, a Young Life camp in North Carolina, for three weeks starting May 24th. I have been to that place too many times to count, so it is basically my second home. But I never get tired of being there. I am like Jesus being there, too happy. I am also too happy thinking about the chances kids will have the chance to say yes to God and a relationship with Him. 

My hope is I will see some sets of arms being raised high over kids saying yes. Maybe they will look like G-Baby and some friends will lift them of their shoulders. Or maybe they will look like Tuck after he walked across the stage at graduation. Either way, it is a chance to throw Jesus a party for finding the lost. Shoot, maybe I'll throw my arms up in thankfulness. 

Tuck may never understand the full reasoning behind this, but he is my biggest hero on this earth. I think this is because I see God using him to bring me back to Himself. It humbles me and brings tears of joy. With that said, I am getting off so I can quit getting choked up. Remember, I don't cry. 

Amen.