God the Provider

While playing basketball (and always) God provides all ability, intelligence, and wisdom.

By Larry Patterson, high school

Since the age of three, I've been playing basketball. When I was around five, my mom told my sister and me to always remember these words: "God gave me knowledge, skills, all learning, and wisdom."

It just became part of my life. I didn't have to focus on it because I always did my best at expressing joy while playing basketball. My mom noticed that during the ages of six to ten, if I got hacked in a game, I would just hop right back up again and keep doing what I love to do.

At the age of twelve, I noticed that I was kind of becoming a little rocky. One night my mom asked me, "Do you listen to the words I make you say aloud before a game?" I said, "Yeah." She said, "To hear is one thing, to hear and strive to understand is even a greater thing."

I paused for a second to try to understand what I'd been saying for the past six or seven years. I realized that this quote is saying that since "God gave me knowledge, skills, all learning, and wisdom," I couldn't be limited. I couldn't be limited in how much I give. I couldn't be limited by being hurt. But I could better understand God.

This deeper understanding allowed me to get over the rocky stage and perform well in all my games. I truly thank my mom for sharing this idea with my sister and me. It's been the quote that has guided us through all types of situations … and I'm sure it will continue to do so.

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