All In

“It refers to the moment when a player – whether out of bravado, recklessness or desperation- bets all of their chips on a single hand.”

The Stanley Cup playoffs. As an avid Pittsburg Penguins fan, I look forward to this time of year with both excitement and anxiety. Excited as the Pens usually have a good team and make the playoffs each year. Anxious because you never know if they have what it takes to win the championship.

At the trading deadline this year the Penguins picked up a talented veteran from the LA Kings named Jeff Carter. For those of you who don’t care about sports, stay with me I promise I’m getting to the point. In his first interview as a Penguin, Jeff said something that got me thinking. He was considering retirement but when the offer to play for the Penguins and compete for a Cup came he said “yeah this is great, I’m all in.”

All in. There it was. Been thinking about that for weeks. You read the definition at the beginning. When either bravado or recklessness makes you “bet it all.” What if we apply that into our daily lives?

As I’ve written before these blogs are really about the things I’m working through in life and I share them with you. I’ve been silent on my blog recently because I’ve really been struggling with this one.

I’ve been really pondering and seeking what things are really worth going “all in” for. Where should I throw all my chips and never look back? What’s so important that going “all in” is the only play to make a difference? Easy answers like my marriage and my son come quickly to mind. My faith and walk with God – another no brainer. But if it’s that clear and easy why do I often look down and find I still have chips left – still have something I’ve held back and not went all in with?

Fear, pride, doubt – all of the above. Honestly still wrestling with all these. Asking for divine help to truly go “all in” on the things that matter and make a difference.

Want another kicker? Jeff’s story didn’t end well this season. Penguins won their division, made the playoffs and their 1st round matchup had them winning easily on paper. But it’s a team sport. It was the goalie’s first playoff series, couple of guys got hurt and just like that others couldn’t or wouldn’t go “all in” and so Jeff and the other Pens are playing golf instead of competing for the Cup.

Ain’t that life too? You go “all in” but your co- workers don’t or your spouse or your fellow church members or friends aren’t ready. Kind of makes you want to throw in your cards and take your chips and go home.

But let me tell you about someone who did go “all in.” Jesus Christ. He came into this world and gave it all – including His life – to make a way for us to be forgiven. We who could never be perfect to be found “not guilty.”

So I will continue to work through where and how to go “all in.” Maybe you will too. When we commit 1000% we make a difference, can change the world. Pray for me on my journey and I’ll do the same for you.