Responsability

I have once again tonight realized the responsibility each one of us has and must to some degree carry out if we want to understand our purpose with time given to us on earth. After work I decided to go check out some basketball courts up the road that my neighbor had been telling me about for a few months now. I live in a fairly diverse part of Atlanta, called Kirkwood. So I went to this recreation center and came to find out the indoor courts were closed. There was still plenty of light out so I decided to hit the outdoor courts. I noticed a few younger black men sitting around the courts give me the "what is this guy doing here look when I started to shoot". An older gentlemen also a black man decided to casually shoot with me. Those who know me understand my love for black men, especially older black males and more specifically their beards. So we shot and exchanged a few words and continued to warm up. It turns out my neighbor, Terrance, was there as he said he was most days and recognized me. This immediately opened the door for all of his friends to come join me on the "good side" of the court for some b-ball. Before I knew it we had 8 guys playing a game of 21, which eventually turned into 5 on5. We played for over an hour and I fealt somewhat apart of their hood for that hour. I had untill tonight missed this aspect of the neighborhood I live in and again was shown tonight my responsability a follower of Christ to never get to comfortable with any situation. Most of you all are of the upper class of society, so this should directly effect you and most certainly shake you up. I am not saying every one should go to the poorer parts of town and shoot hoops, but you should without a doubt put yourself in uncomfortbale situations. The apostle Paul talks of his weaknesses, faults, insecurities and how when he lives and breaths those out Christ reveals truths not yet seen or understood. As darkness crept in as I began walking to my car, I was approached by and older black man named coach Man. He volunteered at the rec center for almost every sport. Before I even told him my name he asked me to come up and hang with the kids when I got some time. Apparently they need some help/coaches for upcoming sports. I assumed Coach Mann was from the neighborhood, he then told me he was from Conyers which is about 35 minutes away. He has a big bus for all of the kids, He told me the drive is nothing compared to hanging out and occasionally feeding these hungry, searching for something kids. It is now even as I write this that I am convicted of the responsibility I let fall by the waste side on a daily basis, but also encouraged by what is to come after tonight.