Start Date + A Game of Pool

While visiting Dorset over Easter I went with a group of friends to the pub for a good old fashioned game of pool.

Sadly though, I didn't frequent pool-table-owning establishments enough in my formative years, and so lacking the practice, I'm rubbish. Splitting into pairs, I tactfully positioned myself with the best player, Martyn so as to deflect my lack of talent on his abundance. 

With the opening break putting us at a disadvantage Martyn was nonplussed and promptly potted 4 balls before handing the cue over for me our next turn. I'd like to say that the balls that rolled around the table during my turns were strategically repositioned but realistically, they weren't. However, despite a few fouls on my part we only the first game ended in only a minor loss.

Beginning the second game Martyn and I developed a strategy in which he told me where roughly to hit the cue ball and enabled me to be a positive contributor to our second game. During a single turn in fact I potted 3 balls in a row and with them my confidence grew. The third game however only served to diminish it.

 Overly trusting of my ability to hold the game, Martyn frequented the bar more regularly and subsequently the gents thus leaving me on my own. Usually the first to assert my independence, I soon floundered when fending for myself and handed our opponents a severe advantage. 

While reflecting on life during a recent run with a friend I complained about my indecision and insecurity concerning certain choices I had before me. Having been party to my above display of pool-playing-skill, my friend used the game as an analogy God's guidance over our choices. 

Under His instruction and guidance I have not only the information but also the confidence to try things out of my strengths and expect successful results. However as our Father, God loves his children and have given us free choice to make decisions for ourselves. Yes, he loves to coach us and will advise us but there is a point when we just have to act and have faith that His Spirit will fill the gaps where our humanity fails. 

I guess my faith has been lacking more recently than I'd like to admit. 

I thought I was only questioning my own ability but I hadn't really allowed myself to think what I was really lacking was faith in God. Thankfully, he is much more faithful to me than often I am to him.