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“May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father…” (Colossians 1:11–12, NRSV) 

Does anyone know why the students at Texas A&M University stand throughout the entire football game? The tradition goes back to 1922. The Aggies were having a great season and were headed toward the Southwest Conference championship. During the Dixie Classic in Dallas, a basketball player named E. King Gill attended the game as a scout. But injuries devastated the team. By halftime, the coach feared he might not have enough healthy players to finish the game. 

Looking into the stands, the coach motioned for E. King Gill to come down to the field. There were no locker rooms, so they handed him a jersey right there on the sidelines. Gill stood ready throughout the second half as the “12th Man,” prepared to enter the game if needed. Though he never played a down, his attitude said it all: “Coach, if you need me, I’m ready to play.”

Ever since then, Aggie students have stood during the game as a living reminder of readiness and loyalty. And I wonder if, during these days, some of us might feel the Spirit of God stirring within us so that we say: “Lord, if You need me, I’m ready to play.”

People who know me have heard my sayings when dealing with administration: “If I have to do it more than once, make a form.”“The wheel has already been invented. Perfect it to our needs.” “If we do it every year, start planning now…don’t wait.”

There was a time in my life when I was so impatient that I did not even have patience with myself, much less anyone else. I believed that if something happens cyclically, then prepare for it ahead of time. Yet many times we do not prepare—and we pay the price for our unpreparedness.

Paul reminds the Colossians, and us, that life must sometimes be endured with patience, “while joyfully giving thanks to God.” The church needs people like E. King Gill—people ready to step in when needed. Whether or not he ever entered that game is beside the point. He was ready: helmet on, pads secured, jersey in place, and spirit prepared. 

The church—you and me—must also say: “Lord, if You need me, I’m ready to play.” Are you ready, Church? There are ministries waiting to take root. There are opportunities for God to bless others through you in deeply personal ways. Jesus said, “Those who lose their life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39).

While serving at First United Methodist Church in Beaumont, I worked with a staff member named Phyllis Beaumont. Her official title was Director of Involvement Ministries and Programming, but some jokingly called her the Director of Interfering Ministries.  Truthfully, they may have been onto something.

When we allow God into our lives, God often disrupts our plans, interferes with our agendas, and rearranges our priorities. Yes, God interferes in our lives—but because God loves us and desires abundant life for us. 

I am certain there is a ministry you believe needs to happen in this community through the church. This congregation has a history of making things happen. So, folks—make it happen. In the Lord. For the Lord.

Blessings from Pottsboro (alegria@lakewayumc.org)