Baseball

Baseball season has hit. We are grabbing our two oldest grandsons, Blake (5) and William (4) and taking them to Austin to see the longhorns play a doubleheader. They are each beginning to learn the game and we thought an up close and personal viewpoint might be pretty exciting for them. We have the jerseys, we have the hats, we have the baseballs in case we need autographs and we have snacks. A doubleheader is a long time! We'll see how it goes and how much the attention span will carry. It all comes down to how hooked they get.

Isn't that like any of us? The more interested we are in something the more able we are to stay focused on it. No one has to prod us when we are personally engaged in a topic that has touched our sense of wonder, has tapped into our emotion or has peaked our nature of curiosity. It becomes a instinct of pursuit rather than one of drudge. One that scratches an itch of interest and lures us to look more carefully at the inner workings, and all the moving parts.

That is how I have found my relationship with Christ to be. The more that I know the more that I want to know. The more that I see how his things fall into place, the more astounded I am at his power and his grace. I am intrigued, yes, oh but I have become more and more grateful for his presence in my life, on my life and through my life.

These little guys are just beginning to learn about baseball. They are intrigued by the game but even more captivated by the actual bat and glove and ball. Blake is taking lessons and will play on his first team this year. I have not been to those practices but have seen pictures and just the very sight of him shows me the joy and excitement that has filled his heart. He wants to be a player. He wants to be out on that field...and just like so many other kids he wants to perform in a mighty way. He has a hero type image of his young coaches because they are great with the kids and have made the game come alive in the hearts of these little guys.

Isn't that what God wants of us...he wants to help the game of life that he has programmed for us and about us to come alive in our hearts. Sure all the gear that comes with Christianity, the bible itself, the bible studies, the involvement in volunteer activities, the mission projects are all great but God doesn't want us to just be interested in the things on the outside but wants to coach us on what drives us on the inside. He wants us to pursue life by way of his coaching, to train us so that we will want more than anything to become engaged in the sport of his living.

Christ is the hero coach that teaches us through his wisdom and experience....if only we will listen and apply what he teaches us. We are part of a heavenly team, who after being taught the basics of batting and running and catching are called to go our and perform. Some days we will cover the bases, while other days we will find ourselves walking right back to the bench.
Whatever out ability we are to give it our best. We are not to get discouraged when we strike out or miss a catch, or mess up on a play, for discouragement is a mind game in itself that promotes an attitude of dismay. We are to stand up, begin again and approach a new stance of hope and persevere to live the life that God has purposed for each of us.

No matter the age of any of us we are going to be faced with new endeavors. Some will intrigue us while others we will find to not interest us in the least. Life is a sport of its own, and when played by Christ's rules, abiding by Christ's calls, and directed by Christ's leadership, a discipline sets in that is sure to gain us the momentum, the strength and the know how to accomplish the victory that he has set out for each of us.

2 Timothy 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline

Are you ready? (willing and ready to seek) Are you dressed for the game? (Faith, hope, trust) Are you standing on the confidence that Christ alone secures? (promises always to hang with us and guide us and direct us) You are able to do what he has called you to do, make no mistake, for Christ has placed you on a team for a purpose that he alone may know. Just trust him when he nudges you to pursue a sport that you may not know too much about. You will feel His interest stirring within you....and you will feel a striving to know more. Be willing to step into his batters box and do your best through Him who has chosen us to be a part of his team.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the opportunity to experience new things and for the curiosity that you have placed within us to pursue new avenues of adventure. Help us to learn and abide each day within your rules and to be the best that we are able to be when asked to stand up and play! Amen
Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!