Idleness and Offseasons

As primarily a baseball fan these days, the offseason can be pretty maddening. On one hand, I'm excited that I have time to look deeper into issues on my mind, like Minor Leaguers, trades, and salaries, but the lack of actual sport tends to lead to me over-analyzing everything. I can become overly critical of others too, since the lack of sport forces me to rely on other people for nourishment, and that always leads to disappointment.

For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. -- 2nd Thessalonians 3:14

It's easy in times of idleness to fall into such traps; by nature we are self concerned and judgmental. Fortunately God gave us something to help us avoid this: work. Work doesn't necessarily have to be your day job; it can be anything done for a purpose that brings glory to God. If you have 3 months off in the summer because you're a teacher, then volunteering at a day camp could be work. Writing a blog post could be work (at least I tell myself it is.) Processing your way through a commentary on the book of Isaiah could be work.

The point is that idleness isn't of God. We all need rest; God commanded Elijah to go to sleep when the world became too much for him. That said, if you've come to the point that you're well rested enough to realize that the lack of work is affecting you negatively, then you need to get to work. God wants you to work, and through the experience rely on him so he can draw you closer to him. When we're idle, we're not relying on God at all, and we're not doing anything to change it. Remember that in everything we do, God should be glorified, and because of our selfish nature, they don't always come naturally. Strive for God, and you will find yourself doing great things solely on him carrying your works.

The Activism of Kaká

American fans may not know too much about Kaká--I sure didn't. My friend George tipped me off about him, and I've been engrossed ever since. Kaká is a midfielder for Real Madrid, the cover athlete for the popular video game FIFA 11, and a former member of Time's 100 Most Influential People. The picture you see on the left is him after Brazil won the World Cup in 2002, and Kaká is known for such displays after other championship victories.

Kaká was born in Brazil to a reasonably well off family that allowed him to pursue soccer without too much distraction. As a child he was set apart early for his skill and talent. For most of his early years he focused on soccer, but he had a devastating injury when he was 18. Much like other great Christian athletes (see: Barton, Daric; Patrick, Andy), he dove into a pool and didn't quite find the deep end. He found out later he had broken a vertebra, was temporarily paralyzed in parts of his body, and wasn't sure he'd ever be able to play soccer again. Fortunately, as Kaká puts it, "the doctors said I was lucky; I am certain that it was God's will." Kaká recovered, and pursued his career with a newfound zeal for showing God how much he appreciated his healing hand.

Among other amazing things in his career, he was named an ambassador of the United Nations World Food Programme, and was the youngest person ever to be named as since its inception in 1960. Despite his status as a successful athlete, Kaka remained a virgin until he was married in 2005. He has claimed that when he was young, he “learnt that it is faith that decides whether something will happen or not." We can learn from Kaká that prayer is not simply another drop in the bucket of hope; rather it is a guarantee from God that he will take care of the situation in his glorious and magnificent plan.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

We should all be so blessed as to live our lives with Kaká's faith; attributing all success and glory to God, praying nonstop for everything in our lives, and rejoicing in every time God blesses our endeavors and answers our prayers.