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Better Late than Never


   Hello all, posting in 2021 after an amazing summer in Alexandria, MN. Between the morning skates, devotions, 'the program' and camps; we had our hands full but also our hearts to keep pressing on and serving our summers for the mission to spread the gospel of Jesus to ice hockey players. It was a fast sprint during our camps between a 2 1/2 week timespan from youth to professional athletes. We had many testimonies, rededications and salvations this summer, it was overwhelming but amazing to see God's plans unfold.

Gods hand was over everything and we were able to stay healthy and have a great impact this last summer. I ended up helping Northstar Sportsplex becoming a go-to Zamboni driver and in charge of ice maintenance along with my normal duties; coaching, helping with devotions, cleaning and inventory of everything. I really was going to miss Northstar however I had to leave to start my freshmen year at Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA.

     One of the main verses that has stuck with me is Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." This verse hit me like an accidental blocked shot to the face heading out into my college campus, quickly realizing that I had to figure out how to stay motivated and not let my emotions take over God's truth and purpose for my life. I've had to lean more on people I trust, spend more time in God's presence and appreciate the moment to understand what's happening.

Hockey and school did not go as planned. Between class time and practice, everything went slowly and had to do 5 things in order to keep everyone safe with COVID restrictions. I had to wear a mask everywhere except in my dorm room and all but 1 class were virtual. Sadly, hockey shut down with cases and classes did as well before Halloween. Dorms were emptied and I headed home to finish up the semester online.. Currently I'm planning to remote learn 2nd semester and be prepared to try to have college practice. With leagues canceling and teams shutting down and another rise in Covid with another new strand, it doesn't look likely that's going to happen but I'm trying to stay positive that it will. 

There are 2 perspectives I've learned on how to go about this. One is I won't play a 'real' game of hockey in 18+ months and panic because my normal and suppose to be exciting time of change is halted yet again. Another is using the ice I do get with my siblings and pond time to remember why I play, not really for the games, but the spirituality of feeling the game and feeling closer to God while playing. Finding my true love for the sport again. Using it to connect to people and share anything with different people, different theologies and perspectives. Right now I feel one with God and allowing him to control what happens in my life.

Until next summer at Alexandria, I plan to be still and let God call the next play. 



 

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