Coming to grips with the fact that you'll never say "Habakkuk" correctly.

I know it's probably not going to happen.

I know that at this point in my life, the chances are pretty slim. I dreamed about it so often as a seventh grader that I thought there might be a chance though. I thought maybe when I was older it would be easier, you know? Every guy wants to. You see it on TV and it looks so simple when your heroes do it but then you try it in real life and it's next to impossible. I'm starting to think that it will never happen.

I'll never dunk a basketball on a regulation ten-foot rim.

Sure, I wish I was a little bit taller. I wish I was a baller. But it's just not happening. I can't even touch the rim like I used to. I can just barely get the net and that's not impressing anybody. I look like a less athletic version of Woody Harrelson in "White Men Can't Jump." Sure, I can dunk on an 8-foot hoop. If no one is covering me. And I don't have to dribble first. But the 10-foot hoop? It's forever out of reach.

As is the correct pronunciation of the Bible chapter "Habakkuk."

Have ever said that word correctly? What was it like? Do you remember where you were? I would. That'd be a "dear diary" moment and probably make me feel as happy as Kristy from the Babysitter Club book series. (I have daughters. Quit judging me.)

Every time I hear someone say it casually I get a little jealous. A pastor named Matt Chandler did a whole sermon series on Habakkuk and it was like experiencing Michael Jordan dunk. Effortless.

I only listened to the podcast and didn't see the sermon, but I have to imagine he was even saying it behind his back and spinning through the air without breaking a sweat. He could probably dunk on Patrick Ewing while saying "Habakkuk" at the same time.

My problem is that I always forget how many k's that word has in it. Sometimes when it marches out of my mouth it comes out with like 14 k's. I just start saying, "kkkkkkk" and don't know where to end it. And then, if I get the first part of the word right, I freak out and can't remember if the last k is silent.

Is it? Do you know? Does it come to a hard stop sign k or do you drop the last one and just say "Habbakaaaaaaaaa" allowing that last syllable to dance off into the cool of the day like an antelope?

Someday, maybe in my 50s, I'll be able to do it. Maybe even in a sermon. If that happens, I'll probably just stop my message, fall to my knees and break down in tears right there next to the pulpit. No one will know what is going on, but you will. If you're in the audience, you'll turn to someone next to you and quietly say, "He just dunked. He finally dunked." And we'll all share that special moment.

Question:

Have you ever said Habakkuk correctly?