Park football
The sight of friends playing football in the neighbourhood park always brings back fond memories of my younger days. It reminds me of carefree afternoons filled with laughter, friendly competition, and countless weekend matches with neighbours and friends at Crawford Park. We gathered after school or whenever we had the chance, often playing until the sun began to set. Long after the sun set, we would still linger, talking and laughing together. Looking back, I realise that the greatest joy was never in winning the game, but in the friendships we built and the happy moments we shared.
Yet those memories also remind me of an important lesson. During those early years, my love for football often overshadowed my studies. Without the maturity and discipline to keep the right balance, I neglected opportunities that could have better prepared me for the future. As I entered adulthood, I experienced many struggles and challenges because of the choices I had made. Looking back now, I wish I had listened more carefully to the wise counsel of my parents and teachers. Their guidance was never meant to limit my enjoyment, but to help me build a stronger foundation for the years ahead.
Even so, I thank God that my story did not end there. Although I made mistakes and wasted some precious years, God never abandoned me. In His mercy, He patiently guided me, opened doors I could never have imagined, and gently redirected my life according to His perfect purpose. He surrounded me with faithful friends, caring mentors, encouraging believers, and loving family members who strengthened my faith and reminded me that His grace is always greater than our failures. What I once thought were wasted years, God redeemed and used to shape my character, deepen my dependence on Him, and prepare me for the work He had planned for me.
Perhaps as you look back over your own life, there may also be moments you wish you could do differently. We all have regrets, missed opportunities, or seasons when we wandered from the path God intended. Yet our failures are never the final chapter when we place our lives in His hands. Our Heavenly Father is wonderfully gracious. He restores what has been broken, gives fresh purpose to weary hearts, and continues to write beautiful new chapters for those who trust Him. His plans are never defeated by our past.
Life was never meant to be lived alone. God places us within families, friendships, churches, and communities so that we can encourage one another, learn from one another, and grow together in faith. Just as a football team succeeds when each player supports the others, the family of God flourishes when we bear one another’s burdens, celebrate one another’s joys, and help one another persevere through life’s challenges. Every encouraging word, every act of forgiveness, and every expression of kindness strengthens someone else’s journey.
May this story remind us that while our past may shape us, it does not define us. God’s grace is always greater than our regrets, and His purposes are always bigger than our mistakes. As we give thanks for the friends, mentors, and loved ones He has placed in our lives, may we also become encouragers who help others stay the course, make wise choices, and discover the abundant life that is found in walking faithfully with Christ.
Bible Verse:
I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,
the great locust, the grasshopper, and the caterpillar,
my great army, which I sent among you.
Joel 2:25-26 WEB
Blessings:
God has blessed us with friends and companions who share our journey, encourage us in difficult times, celebrate our joys, and remind us that we are never alone. Through the gift of fellowship, we experience His faithful love and the richness of life together.
Reflection Point:
God blesses us with the gift of fellowship. Through friendships and a caring community, He reminds us that we are stronger together, encouraging one another to grow in love, faith, and compassion.
Reflection Question:
Who has God placed in your life to encourage and strengthen you, and how can you be a source of encouragement and friendship to someone this week?
Action to Consider for this week:
Reach out to a friend or someone you have not spoken to for a while. Spend time together, offer a listening ear, or share words of encouragement. Your presence may be the very gift God uses to strengthen their heart.
Hymn for the Reflection
They’ll Know We Are Christians
Hymn Writer
Peter Scholtes (1938–2009) was an American Catholic priest, teacher, liturgist, and songwriter. Ordained during a period of significant renewal in the Catholic Church, he had a passion for helping young people experience Christian faith as something lived out in community rather than simply learned in the classroom.
Scholtes wrote songs that were easy for groups to sing together, emphasising unity, service, and the practical expression of God’s love.
Among his many compositions, “They’ll Know We Are Christians” became his most famous work and has been embraced by Christians across many denominations.
The Story Behind the Hymn
Peter Scholtes wrote “They’ll Know We Are Christians” in 1966 while serving as a parish priest working with youth in Chicago.
At the time, he was preparing music for ecumenical gatherings that brought together Christians from different churches and backgrounds. He wanted a song that focused not on denominational differences but on the one thing all followers of Jesus should share—love.
The inspiration came from the words of Jesus: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
Scholtes also drew encouragement from an early Christian tradition. It is often said that people observing the first Christians remarked, “See how they love one another.”
Although the exact wording comes from later Christian writings rather than the Bible itself, it reflects the remarkable witness of the early Church.
The song quickly spread beyond Catholic circles and was adopted by Protestant, Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, and evangelical churches around the world. Its simple refrain made it especially popular at youth camps, mission conferences, ecumenical services, and community outreach events.