Craig Clouston

 

Be Prepared

February 15

Be very careful, then, how you live…making the most of every opportunity…

Ephesians 5:15

Jason McElwain recently showed the world how to make the most of an opportunity.

Born with autism, this manager of the Greece-Athena High School basketball team in Rochester, NY, had tended the needs of the team for the past three years; encouraging them, and mopping up their sweat. Because of his commitment, Coach Jim Johnson decided to let Jason suit up, and sit the bench for the last game of the season. As it turned out Jason did much more.

With four minutes left on the clock, Coach Johnson stood and pointed at Jason, “You’re in McElwain!” The crowd showed their appreciation for the gesture with loud applause and shouting. Little did they know that they were in for an extraordinary experience that would have the roof and walls of the gymnasium shaking before it was over.

As the game resumed Jason’s teammates fed him the ball, wanting him to make at least one basket before time ran out. His first two shots were air-balls. But the third, from three-point range, touched nothing but net! Jason had scored! But he wasn’t satisfied. As a matter of fact, he was just getting started.

In those final four minutes Jason caught fire, “As hot as a pistol!” he would later tell reporters, and managed to hit six three-point shots in a row, scoring a total of twenty points! His last basket, right at the buzzer, created total mayhem, emptying the bleachers, as fans and teammates alike thronged around Jason to celebrate his achievement.

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When interviewed after the game Jason said, “Being autistic, I’m used to feeling different. But never this different…never this wonderful!”

Achieving success has to do with fostering an indomitable spirit, and making the most of every opportunity we are given.

Had Jason given up after his first two shots he might have settled for just being in the game. But his intention was to give everything he had, to make this opportunity everything it could be. He refused to be defined by the shots he missed and kept giving his all. And what he accomplished was a feat beyond everyone’s wildest dreams.

‘Awesome’ usually happens at the point where preparation and perseverance meets opportunity.

Prayer

“Lord, may my heart aspire to make the most of every opportunity and achieve my utmost for His Highest. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”