Facing Forward

"confidently looking forward"

Hebrews 11:10

We went to a volleyball tournament today.  I just loving watching my Awesome Girl go!  And it's so interesting to watch how each position is played differently:  where they position themselves, how they move in the midst of a rally.  It's a little like it's choreographed.  They hit, and then move out of the way; or they hit the ball not over the net, but in such a way as to set it up for one of their teammates.  It's fun to watch. 

One of the things that intrigues me is my girl's positioning when she's playing Middle Blocker.  That's front row, center.  When her team is serving, she stands right at the net, with her hands in the "ready" position, facing the opposing team.  Now, it makes sense to me that she'd be facing the opposing team, except for the fact that, since her team is serving, the ball is coming from behind her.   It seems to make more sense to turn her head, and watch the ball being served, then face the opposing team once the ball is on their side.  And yes, she has been hit in the back of the head by errant serves from her teammates.  But when she gets in position, she faces front.  That's her job.  And she's ready when the ball is returned from the opposing team.

I love the focus and confidence she shows in this position.  And I love the spiritual illustration this is to me.  Sort of along the lines of Deuteronomy 5:32 ~ "Therefore you shall be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left" ~ the idea of keeping your eyes on what God has called you to, without wondering about or looking to what someone else is doing. 

So which way are you facing?  Back, front, or to the side?   The job He has for you is right in front of you.

~ "one thing I do, 

forgetting those things which are behind, 

and reaching forward 

to those things which are ahead, 

I press toward the goal 

for the prize of the upward call of God 

in Jesus Christ" ~

Philippians 3:13-14