Anne was an unusual girl who loved playing sports. She was good at any sport she played, and she excelled in volleyball and basketball. Anne wasn't unusual because she loved playing sports, but because--although she was good--she spent much of her time sitting the bench.

Anne wasn't tall (about 5 feet 5 inches) as basketball players go. She had a good eye for the bucket, good hands and was quick on defense. Anne also passed the ball well. Her savvy on the court was enviable; she always seemed to know where her teammates were on the court at any time.

She could thread a needle when it came to hitting the open teammate breaking for the basket. Occasionally a pass would be so right on, as she rifled the ball past her stunned defender, that her intended receiver couldn't handle it. Her teammate expected Anne's pass, but with all the defensive hands in the path of the oncoming ball, it just seemed that it wouldn't get through. But get there it did.

It was sheer pleasure to watch Anne play. She also had a heart of gold, a teachable and cooperative attitude.

But Anne didn't get to play every game. Sometimes she wasn't in the starting lineup and in some games she didn't play at all. Why? you might ask. Anne served the basketball team from the bench, and her example is a lesson for all of us.

A higher priority

You see, Anne honored God. She always placed God ahead of her love of sports. It wasn't an easy decision. Sometimes her well-meaning coach tried to intimidate her into putting the school's basketball team ahead of her faith, at times embarrassing her in front of the team. Anne kept the Sabbath day, which seriously cut into her playing time. On top of this, the coach felt he had to penalize her for missing games and practices, so she often had to sit on the bench even on the days she could be there. But she never quit the team, nor did she ever miss a practice that was not on the Sabbath. She worked out hard with the team, and there were times when she would obviously outplay some of the starting five players. But Anne sat on the bench, often.

Anne's senior year of basketball was at once an exciting and a disappointing one. It was exciting because her team was good enough to reach the district finals. The game was to be played in a professional basketball arena in a large city, Anne's hometown.

There was one problem: The game was scheduled to be played on a Friday night, the beginning of God's Sabbath. Before that big game, the coach began pressuring Anne, asking her if she would be able to play in the game, telling her that the team needed and wanted her support. Then her teammates took up the coach's lead and also asked Anne if she would be there for the game.

One of her teachers even got into the act and tried to embarrass her in front of the class. He publicly singled out Anne, discussing openly how she wouldn't be able to support the school team because of the Saturday Sabbath. Anne held firm. That championship game came and went, and her team won without her. Anne was happy for her team, and continued to openly support them.

Anne's team was then scheduled for the first game of the state tournament. Thankfully, it would not be played on the Sabbath. Anne could play. The team was happy. The coach was pleased. So was Anne. And Anne was glad to be with her team once again, especially during the state tournament. She realized she might sit on the bench.

The big game came. Although Anne got to play a few minutes, her team lost. The season was over for them. But what happened after the season shows that Anne enjoyed a unique success that season. It tied in directly with her serving her team from the bench. Her unique success is the kind we should want and may need; the surprise ending to her season offers a lesson that can make you successful for the rest of your life.

A memorable banquet

At the end of the season, Anne's team had an awards banquet. As the evening progressed, awards were presented to those most deserving. The most valuable player award was given, and it was well deserved. Other categories were acknowledged and duly honored. One by one, many of the first five team members received their rewards for their accomplishments. It appeared that all the awards that would be given had been awarded. Or so it seemed.

Then one of the coaches stood and began to speak. His message went something like this: "We've given all of the year-end awards that we normally give out during a basketball banquet. However, there's one more award that we want to give this evening. We've never given an award like this before. In fact it didn't exist until we coaches began to reflect on one particular player who is with us tonight.

"After talking about it, we just knew the night and the end of the year would not be complete without recognizing one of our players in a very special category. The young lady I'm talking about spent a lot of time on the team bench during the season. Although she sat on the bench most of the season, she was always vocally supportive of her teammates on the floor. She always encouraged them and spurred them on to victory. We were a much better team because of this young lady. For this reason, we have created a new award to be given to the young lady who best reflects a supportive attitude toward the team."

Holding up the award plaque for all to see, he continued: "The very first name on this award is the person who inspired its creation. I'm speaking of Anne. Anne gave her best, whether she sat on the bench or played on the court. She never complained, although a lesser person might have cause to. Anne was an inspiration to all the team, the coaches and the families and fans who attended our games. She reflects the kind of spirit and support that all team members should have. Anne, you truly are an inspiration to all the team and the coaches. Thank you for faithfully serving the team from the bench!"

There wasn't a dry eye in the room as all stood and applauded.

On that one night in particular, the character that had helped Anne succeed throughout that entire year was honored. Anne is still honored by that award because it still graces the main office of her high school. And she will continue to be honored for her serving attitude and deep commitment to honor God. Anne knew the difficulties had been worth it. She had honored God first, and God in turn had honored Anne.

Join Anne in the winners' circle

Does Anne's story have meaning for you? We can put God first in our lives, overcoming all the taunts and jeers for doing the right thing. Success is not always being the first or the best. Success doesn't always have to shine to be success, nor does it have to be recognized by an adoring crowd.

True success is also acknowledged in ways that many others will never see. God sees everything; He will see your good character and reward you for honoring Him.

Like Anne, you can serve your team from the bench. Your team might be a sports team, but it can also be your family team, your brothers and sisters, your teachers, your community. Respect and encourage others, give of your best, and God will see your good attitude and bless you in ways you would never expect--like Anne was unexpectedly blessed.