The basketball season is in high gear and fast approaching are the Top 28 State Basketball Championship games and the road to the Final Four to see who will be the 2014 College National Champions. Many players dream of one day playing for big money in the National Basketball League. Some have no other plans for their life if their dream doesn’t materialize.

I am reminded of a story told by one of my favorite Christian writers and evangelists, “Chuck” Swindoll.

While growing up in Texas, he, too, had the dream of playing professional basketball. In junior high, he made the junior varsity team and according to him, was improving rapidly.

His dad worked at a machine shop and made him an iron hoop, which he attached to the garage. He practiced every day with an old worn-out rubber ball. He just knew that one day every college in America would be seeking his services on the basketball court.

His wish for the coming Christmas was to have one thing only — a new basketball.

He began to drop hints to his mom about his desire to get a new basketball. One evening before Christmas, he saw a box beneath the Christmas tree, correctly shaped to possibly hold a basketball.

Much to his surprise, as he tore the wrapping off and opened the

box, it was a world globe. As “Chuck” shares in his story: “What a thrill!” All Christmas afternoon, he had the joy of locating geographical spots on the globe as his mom would call out … Singapore, Montreal, New Zealand, Moscow, etc. He kept thinking he would wake up the next morning and find a Voit or Rawlings basketball, but that never happened.

That was many years ago. Today, he still admits he likes basketball but thanks God for his mother’s wisdom. As an ambassador for Christ, he is more excited about hope on the globe instead of a passion for putting a ball through a hoop.

“Chuck” has been a force in the world, sharing about a Savior who came to save people from their sins.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70068, call 985-652-8477, or email hkeller@comcast.net.