If you don't know what a Wii is, ignore this post! Or just use your imagination. The Wii is a Nintendo game system that has each individual player create a Mii. The Mii is used in a variety of ways, but it is basically a "virtual" you. You can move the Mii around like you would move yourself around. When you bowl, it is your Mii that runs up to the line, rears back, and throws the ball.. or rolls the ball toward the pin.
I hadn't been doing too well so I decided to bowl differently. I moved my Mii to the side of the alley, pressed the "A" button so I could roll the ball at an angle (remember if you don't understand a Wii you're supposed to be ignoring this) and let it fly. After two spares I proceeded to fill my score card with strike after strike. I couldn't believe my eyes as what had once produced little results now, with a couple of adjustments, put me in an entire different (and successful) place!
I got to thinking how this is sort of like the Christian life. Sometimes things are so difficult that we wonder if we're ever going to succeed. And then, with the help of God's grace, we can make a few simple adjustments... and voila, you bowl a 256 (metaphorically speaking)!
I then decided to think about what adjustments I need to make as a disciple. I invite you to ask the same question. Do you have a favorite sin you need to confess and let go of? Do you need to start making space in your life in order to read God's word daily? How's your prayer life? Do you need to get serious about listening to God instead of doing all the talking? How's your stewardship? Do you need to trust God with your finances in a more systematic way? I don't know what it is for you but I do know how to find out. Ask God. God is very willing to help you see what adjustments you need to make in order to find that "sweet spot" in life. You may not always bowl a 256 but you can find a different, more faithful and exciting way to grow more deeply as a follower of Jesus!