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December 30th.
2009
ONE LAST WORD... WHY I STILL PLAY BASKETBALL
Over the last five years I have jammed three fingers, both thumbs, had
knee surgery on my left knee, and before long will probably have to do
the same to my right knee. At some level all this might suggest to you
that I am a glutton for punishment or at a minimum a thrill seeker!
Well… the latter is probably closer to the truth but as they say, not
the whole truth.
Here’s the full story. As most of you know my father died when I was 13
years old. This as you also know was a transformational experience for
me. One of the major outgrowths of his very untimely death was the
confrontational awareness of life as both precious and fleeting.
Countless times since that life-changing event I have made this journey
with others including my own mother. I am always reminded of the reality
that life is precious and fleeting.
Consequently, I have made some clear life choices. At the core of these
choices are some of my most favorite words from scripture, ""I came that
they may have life, and have it abundantly." (John 10:10). Life is truly
a gift and a blessing and we return thanks to the One who gifted us by
living life to the fullest.
The second choice I have made because of my acute awareness that life is
both precious and fleeting is to strive to not be petty and consumed
with things that are life taking, but rather focus on that which is
truly life-giving. To live a life that is open, flexible, dynamic, and
respectful that everybody has their own frame of reference. When you
have been with one clinging to his or her last breath of this life there
is a clear sense of priorities that is neither petty nor rigid.
Finally, I made the choice a long time ago to, as Paul told the
Ephesians, “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Our reality TV,
radio shock-jock, 24 hour talking head “news” programs have created a
culture of critique. Everyone has not only an opinion on everything and
everyone but also feels compelled to express that opinion in sometimes
the most vile and vitriolic way possible. As people of faith we are
called to a different way – to tell the truth and to do so from a place
of love.
Why I came to the Spokane Valley and why I am going to Minnesota and why
I still play basketball, ride my bike, ski, etc. is because God calls us
to not just life but life abundant. We are called to not live this
precious and blessed gift of life in fear but in faith, a faith that
bears the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). This
faith calls forth from us to not only tell the truth but to live the
truth in love. This faith shows us every moment of every day how
important it is to embrace life.
Thank you. Thank you for 13 incredible years. Thank you for the
opportunity to serve with you. Most importantly, thank you for the gift
and blessing of sharing not just life but life abundant with you!
Blessings,
The Rev. Brian N. Prior, Rector
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