The Rings the Thing

Since returning to coaching I've had the privilege of being a sub-varsity coach for the Texas' high school football 5A-Division1 state champion three times. As a result I own a couple of the state championship rings (skipped one). The first is in a display case along with the gold medals collecting dust. The last ring is worn occasionally to school and on a few trips; however, after my last trip it will be worn more regularly.

While on a mini-vacation I put the ring on before heading out with my wife for a little shopping, dining and an evening listening to jazz under the oaks in Gruene. The shopping and dining were basically uneventful with the exception of finding a well kept secret Bistro in the basement of a Texas hill country city hall. The evening of jazz under the oaks however, would prove to be engaging.

In May and June we had been challenged to engage life with purpose. The purpose is exemplified in Luke 19:9-10 and clarified in Matthew 28:19-20 giving us motivation to do life by. What I didn't realize was when I put the ring on that morning was this challenge would be given a window of application.

Arriving for the evening of jazz I staked out a couple of benches and a barrel. After enjoying some cheese, chicken salad and crackers with a little drink we relaxed to listen to the music. But the ring was the thing that night.

Following dinner our conversation is suddenly interrupted. The ring has attracted an avid fan of high school football and he wants the story and a picture. Family, occupation/interests and a little bit of religion, not necessarily in that order, intertwine themselves opening my eyes to realize that we're engaging. And it's natural, not at all forced or canned.

The ring induced conversation winds down as the does the jazz. But wait, an invitation to return and continue to engage this couple's life with offer of lodging and a meal. More important, the door remands open for a further discussion of faith.

John 4:38 reminds me that..."Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor." Add this to your remembrance as you remember "the rings the thing" be ready for the engagement opportunity it may bring.