His First Bowling Game

We were in Myrtle Beach, SC visiting some of my mother’s relatives.  On this trip we met folks we’d never met before.  Mom’s Aunt Ruby, her husband Ralph, Uncle Arthur, and several of Mom’s cousins.  It was a great visit for us. 

Myrtle Beach has always been a beautiful place.  Mom spent her early childhood years there. She remembers when the city was not nearly so crowded – high rise hotels did not line the shore for miles like they do now. 

Mom’s cousin Doris offered to take the three of us bowling.  We had never been before, so we were all excited about it.  Not many people were at the bowling alley that day and it didn’t take us long to get started. 

I think John was about eight years old at the time.  That would mean Todd was twelve and I was fourteen.  I can’t even remember if Todd went first or if I did.  Nor do I remember how either of us did, but I can assure you it wasn’t great.  LOL.

Then it was John’s turn.  We both stood back and watched our little brother.  That bowling ball went slowly down the lane.  John was small so there wasn’t much force behind his throw and I thought it would take forever to reach the pins. 

The ball never swerved.  It rolled as straight as an arrow.  I remember Todd and I looking at each other and one of us said, “Watch him get a strike on his first try ever.”  And he did!!  Neither of us were a bit surprised. 

John was thrilled.  I guess some would say it was beginner’s luck.  It didn’t matter to us what it was, he was so excited!  We were thrilled for him.  Why wouldn’t we be?  He was our little brother. 

That is the way our family has always been.  We always rooted and cheered for each other.  Mom and Dad taught us that. It is just the way we always were and still are now. 

The family of God is supposed to be that way too.  We are always supposed to be happy for one another when we do well.  It is part of loving each other as Christ commanded in John 13:35. 

Members of the church are supposed to celebrate with one another.  Being part of the body of Christ means we are part of each other (Romans 12:5). 

There should be no jealousy in our church family.  We can’t think of ourselves as more than we are.  In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul wrote, “love does not envy or boast, is not arrogant or rude” (verse 4).

We need our church families to encourage us and be happy for us.  We need to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15 

This is not just some kind of feel good statement we do with just a few of our close friends.  This is a commandment for all Christians. 

So the next time someone in our church family rolls a strike, get excited and celebrate with them!  God will bless you for it!

Christ above all things – Robin