As Good As It Gets?

This is what Australian opening batsman Justin Langer asked himself during his century against England in the 2002 Boxing Day Test. Despite the massive adrenaline rush of hitting a six to bring up 3-figures, Langer realised that even though this is the pinnacle of his sport, it really only lasts for a very short time.

In a conversation with a pastor, he said

"Mate, there's something missing ... I've got everything - I've got a beautiful wife, I've got kids, a big house, beautiful car, nice clothes, plenty of money, but something's missing. I've got a big hole inside and I don't know what it is."

The pastor (who gave him a bible) and Matthew Hayden have helped Langer develop a strong Christian faith. Apparently, Hayden and Langer would sometimes even mark their batting crease with a small cross to focus their mind as they batted. Now, Langer says

"I know so many people who are crying out for something. They think if they become a Christian it means they've got to give up everything, but I love the story of Jesus and I read it a lot. It's not a weight at all, in fact it's the opposite."

[info from "Bright Lights, Dark nights"]