We Play How We Practice

by Pastor Christoph Fehrenbach, Christian Life Center

So much is made about preparation and practice, but ultimately what matters is how you perform, how you play. At least these are the things we remember. These are the things we recall. These are the things we record.

I’m writing this as October has just happened upon us. The feeling of Fall just crept into the morning air. I start my car in the morning, 10 minutes before I leave – simply to will the colder weather. I love the crisp air that is developing. School schedules are barely routine. Halloween is weeks away, Thanksgiving – well over a month away, but the headline of this morning’s Daily Press read: Just 79 shopping days left. Really. Really? Honestly, I paused and asked: “For what?” I quickly did an assessment of where I was, who I was, and what was going on around me. The subheading read: Retailers put away school supplies, bring out Christmas Trees. A photograph of a local store manager checking stock of wrapping paper and gift bags emblazoned with penguins, snowmen, and polar bears quickly jogged my understanding or rather granted me clearer confusion.

Sports is all about preparation and practice.

School is all about preparation and practice.

Life, however, lends a caveat to that credence. We prepare 79 days for the giving of gifts, but I wonder – do we give even 79 seconds a day to the preparation of our lives, our existence, our purpose on this earth? If we’re all about how we play, if we’re all about the performance, why don’t we prepare more?

We play how we practice.

I don’t mean to communicate that we shouldn’t be preparing for the giving of gifts as we celebrate the birth of The Christ. I think we should. I think – especially at this time of our nation’s economy, we should make it a point – if possible – to do our part to help a slowly recovering economy. I think the Baby Jesus in a manger demands our attention and awareness. I think the singular Saviour Jesus in our world deserves our abilities and worship as well.

But we play how we practice.

We have 79 days left to plan for a holiday that esteems the birth of Jesus in our world. How much time do you give daily to exalt the life of Jesus in your world?

I know by the time this article is published we will be much closer to Christmas and that the 6 teams that are playing in the MLB playoffs will have been widdled down to one crowned champion. I know my 2-2 Cleveland Browns will have probably abandoned all hope for a winning record. I know that the Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte will have given way to the Peppermint Mocha. I know that I will really need to start my car 10 minutes before I leave, and I’ll dislike doing it, compared to now – when I think it’s novel and the fresh air of the morning is nice.

But how have you prepared for life while time moved forward? How have you practiced your religion outside of celebrations and church walls? How have you believed your beliefs?

We play how we practice. Practice well. Much love.

It only gets better.

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Christoph was born and raised in Williamsburg, Virginia and became a Follower of Jesus the Spring of his Senior year in High School. Prior to his salvation experience, Christoph had been chasing every avenue afforded him to escape the city of Williamsburg. Since that day, he has chosen time and again to remain in the wonderful City of Williamsburg. It is his Luz and has become his Bethel.
Christoph and his wife of 8 years throw themselves daily into God’s plan for their lives and the City He has planted them in.
They have a passion to revelate life to people, raise people up to live life, and release people to give life to others. Young, old, lost, found, broken, put together … Christoph & Tonya endeavor to bring Jesus to each and every individual, and when necessary, use words to do so.
Their favorite area of ministry is found in their prized disciples: their children – Asa and Jude. Christoph is privileged to share some thoughts with you this Holiday Season.