I’m a quiet person, or at least that’s what people tell me. I like to keep to myself. Most of the time when I receive an invitation to hang out with someone, my introvert tendencies take over, and I make an excuse to say no. That’s exactly what I did on Wednesday afternoon when my teammate invited me to play volleyball with some of the students of the seminary where we are staying. .
She came into my room to ask if I wanted to come, and I told her, “No, I’m a little tired. I think I’ll take a nap.” I don’t really play volleyball; I’ve never been very good at sports, and socializing isn’t exactly my forte either. Still, after 20 minutes of playing games on my phone, I started to feel like I was missing out. I mean, how many times would I have the opportunity to play volleyball in India with some really cool people? So, I got out of bed and went down to the court.
It turned out to be one of the best afternoons I’ve had here. Their court is one giant mud puddle because of the near-constant rain, but nobody cares; we just play barefoot. I got to meet a lot of the guys that I’d seen around the seminary but hadn’t had the opportunity to talk to yet. Afterward they drew us a few buckets of water from the well next to the court because we all had mud covering our legs, arms, and in some cases faces. I didn’t play very well, but I plan on coming back the next opportunity I get.
I wonder how many times God has invited me into his Kingdom and I’ve said no. He wants so much more for us than sitting on the sidelines. It can be really difficult for me to participate when I feel unprepared, unqualified, or even just unwilling, but I am determined to start saying “yes” more often. I don’t want to miss out on any of the experiences that God has for me, even if that means leaving the safety of my comfort zone (or skipping a few naps).
I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
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