36 and fading fast?

Last week, I celebrated my 36th birthday. It actually kind of snuck up on me with so much else going on in my life. Funny thing is, I have always poked fun at older people for well...being older. And now quickly, I have become that "older" person. Not old per say but I am sure no spring chicken anymore. My body took an absolute pounding as a youth and through my mid to late 20's. Couple that with an absolute pathetic diet and no exercise routine and that spells trouble.

One year in the YMCA league, I was leading the league in scoring and was playing probably the best basketball of my life. And my knees (specifically my left) needed a break. But I had to keep plugging away because to that point I had no real crowing sports moment in my life. Yes, I eventually won the scoring title and we lost in the Finals but that began the slow descent downhill. I dunked a basketball that same year (2001) but once I hit 30, I could never do it again. There are a few eye witnesses still around that saw me dunk it but still no body believes me. Oh the glory years. Haha!

It's all good though. I am so thankful that I even had those years of playing flag football with my friends Mitch, Shane, Rodney and Mark. Those days of playing basketball with Will at the YMCA and throwing him his first alley-opp dunk in a game are memories I will forever cherish. I even enjoyed those years of playing church league softball even though I was horrible! Actually the one game I had to pitch and must have walked 8 straight batters had to be the most demoralizing moment I have ever had in the athletic arena. Seriously!

But I see people all the time with disabilities that would give almost anything to stand on a mound and walk 8 straight batters. And it makes that moment not so demoralizing anymore. And every time I see those less fortunate, those painful memories seem more and more trivial and silly. Now, that day is laughable to me.

Thank you God for giving me even one day to stand, play, run, throw and enjoy the physical gifts you have blessed me with. Amen.

I am a Christian

I am a Christian
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I 'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Author unknown

Gerald Green's amazing dunk

As a youngster, I use to watch every slam dunk contest and three-point contest during the NBA weekend. I even recorded them and still have the VHS tapes. Jordan v. Dominique Wilkins? Got it. Spud Webb? Got it. Kenny Skywalker? Got it.
But after Michael Jordan stopped entering, I kind of lost interest because the dunks became kind of boring. Even the ones I see on TV now don't impress me but this one I am sharing because I am very impressed.