(Not) Bending It Like Beckham

A DEVOTION BY GUEST WRITER HELEN HEWITT

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

I’ve recently started playing football. Growing up in the 1980s, this wasn’t an option for girls, even though I knew a lot more about the game than many boys.

We are the Brentford Empress Penguins. With time, we have settled into our preferred positions on the pitch, although our choices are impacted more by pragmatism than physical prowess. I, for example, have found my natural home in an attacking position on the left wing. A role favoured by many greats of the game, known for their speed and technical ability, such as Christiano Ronaldo and David Beckham. I am not blessed with either. However, my left eye contributes little to my vision. It therefore makes sense to position myself where I stand some chance of seeing the ball.

The Empresses are perhaps best described as a happy jumble. I haven’t laughed as much in ages. It’s wonderful to be part of such an inclusive community, where all I’m required to do is turn up and pitch in with whatever ability I have.

At the same time, my family and I have joined a new church. It has been lovely to just be part of the congregation. Inevitably, however, I find myself wondering whether I should be doing something on Sundays. After all, Paul tells us Jesus gave the church gifts so ‘some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers.’ (Ephesians 4:7-12, NRSV) I’m not sure I’d call myself any of those. Having young children even makes it challenging to go on the coffee rota. No-one wants my 5-year-old stealing the Jammie Dodgers.

It’s hard to feel I’m making much of a contribution to ‘building up the body of Christ.’ In fact, I seldom know what difference I’m making. Thankfully, however, like my Empress teammates, God doesn’t require me to emulate Ronaldo or Beckham. It is enough that I keep showing up with all my imperfections. What does he require of us? I am reassured that we are to simply ‘do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with [him].’ (Micah 6:8, NRSV) I wonder what that looks like in your life this week?

**Football photo by Peter Glaser on Unsplash