There's this ad out right now for Gatorade. It features Jabari Parker, the number two pick in the 2014 draft. During his rookie year, which was last season, he tore his ACL about two months in. The commercial takes us from footage of high school hoops to his college decision to the shot of him being taken to the locker room. But now he's recovering and working hard to get back to the way he was (If that description didn't help, here's the link: https://youtu.be/Yx9ftHL7oRg). The ad itself is sweet, but it's the song choice that mainly caught my attention. If you were to listen to the song ("All Your Light" by Portugal. The Man), you would probably never think this song would be perfect for an ad, much less a Gatorade ad. But, if you watch the ad and listen to the song, it meshes beautifully. I have such an appreciation for people who are able to listen to a song and translate it visually, or for people who are able to look at a short video and immediately think, "This song is perfect. It'll be instrumental up until this clip in the film then we'll hit the hook and chorus." Crazy to me.
Now you're probably thinking, what the heck are you getting at my man? Every day I'm amazed at the different gifts people have. I have friends who are incredible photographers, some who are freakishly athletic, and others who are gifted in music and art. I'm blown away by some of the different things these people can do with a guitar, a piece of paper, a camera, or a basketball. The best part about each of these talents is that they are not for our gain. The whole purpose for us to have an eye for a great picture, or the skill to be able to in-and-out dribble to a crossover to a step-back three, is to glorify the Giver of those gifts and to further the Kingdom. So here's my encouragement to you: use your gifts for His glory, not yours. It's so easy to hear words of praise and let them go to your head. I know I've fallen into that trap many times. Grow your gifts, work at them, enjoy them. But know that the purpose of you having those talents is not for your gain - it's for the Kingdom's gain.
Another reason I chose the Gatorade ad to talk about is to announce a small change of direction with this blog. In the (hopefully) near future, I will be launching a website. Instead of it being strictly a blog, it will have videos as well. One of my passions is filmmaking. Not necessarily movies, but short videos (look up Jefferson Bethke and Kyle Dettman). Unfortunately, in order to make these videos, it takes a good amount of money to get started (buy a camera, accessories, software, etc.). That's why I don't have a timetable to launch the website. In the meantime, I'll still be writing here (more than I have been, promise), as well as keeping you updated throughout the process. Web design, even through Square Space, takes a while (I'm pretty picky). Although it is a lot of work, I'm stoked to begin this next chapter of SNEAKERS & A SAVIOR.
If you guys have questions, suggestions, thoughts, or just want to talk, I'm here 24/7. If you want to know more about my Lord and Savior or have prayer requests, please let me know. I'd love to talk to you about the God who saved my life from what I was. As always, I really appreciate you taking time to read this. I know I say that every post, but I don't take that for granted. It means a lot. Use your gifts for Him, not for yourself.
Grace & Peace,
Nathan
Twitter: @Nathan_A_Jones
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