When I was in high school, I wasn't afraid of anyone on the court...including a 6'2" center from Inglewood. I never thought I couldn't take a girl. I was fearless--which I think surprised most people as a 5'1" Japanese kid. But I never thought I could get beat on defense. I thought I could defensively take any girl on the court.
And this week reminded me that I am not in high school anymore.
We are gearing up for the junior high all-area tournament at the end of June. There are 9 players, so I fill in to play the 10th. I am not as fast as I used to be, and I have girls half my age driving past me and shooting over me. We play full-court, game speed, 8-minute games with 2-minute breaks. My legs are incredibly tired. Not sore, just tired. I can barely keep up with my team of junior high girls, and I cherry pick and let them shoot the three. I'm not lazy...I'm old (as my students verbally reminded me Wednesday at the gym).
I had to adjust my game. I am no longer on the court with amazingly talented teammates who could anticipate offenses and my reactions. I can't beat them on the steals and quick cuts, but I can read their eyes and intercept the passing lane and hang back in help in just the right spot. I know how far to close out without them flying by me, and to let them shoot the three when they're still 3-feet behind the arc. Always, always, always stretch.
In the same way, I've had to adjust my defense against sin since moving to Japan. I'm no longer surrounded with amazingly godly women who could anticipate when my stupidity was about to kick in. I can't run to their apartments or call them for accountability, but I can recall the Scriptures they read to me and the prayers they prayed. I know how to say 'no', and to remember the cross when I feel weak. Always, always, always pray.
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