Grip

I had a great visit with my son, who lives in NY last week...We caught up on the usual questions but I when I asked what he was doing to stay busy while Rebecka, his wife was out of town...he replied that he had just gotten back from playing softball..and that is how I got to this topic. I asked how he did and he said not so good at first bat but then he remembered something that he had read months ago while he was visiting our church in Houston that was written by James Dobson. Of all people to have an impact at a softball game...right? But this is what he remembered....Dobson often gives sports analogies....and speaking of baseball he said when you get up tot he plate loosen your grip.....and you will be better set up for connecting firmly to the pitch that comes. . That is a total paraphrase...from Tom and from Dobson but you get the jest. Now I am not a baseball player and have not idea about logistics....but Tom said (if I can remember right) the next time he was at bat...he hit a homer...and the next time a double...so there must be something to it...

I wrote this entire email the day after we spoke and accidentally deleted it when I was sending it...(I always think God has something to do with that when that happens) so as I look back on events that have happened over this past week or so...it has occurred to me that loosening the grip on a bat in a baseball game is very closely related to holding life loosely. I don't know about you but the tighter I try to hold onto to life and try to control it, the more frustrated, disappointed, angry or fearful I seem to get. It is only when I let go and let God be my navigator and the true holder of what is going on that I am freed up to give it my best. My best wisdom, my best attempt, my best acceptance, my best attitude , my best swing etc.

We tend to choke up when we are put in pressure situations....to get anxious about an outcome, or unsure about our ability to cope, or too dependent on the results. That is one of my greatest obstacles to overcome...to quit trying to not only control situations but people....and let God be the one that I go to for security in situations and let God be the one who directs others HIS WAY and not be insistent on them responding in MY way.

Back to this baseball deal....baseball is a team sport...and each player has designated strengths and weaknesses..and we all get a turn at bat...sometimes we are overwhelming heros while other times we walk back to the dugout in a failed attempt to carry our weight....and add to a successful victory. Loosening the grip may be a vital part of a successful at bat....but another part is paying close attention to the ball that is thrown my way....and reading it in a way that I can successfully swing and connect bat with ball.
Jesus is the way to get that connection.

Life throws us all kinds of balls, fast balls slow balls curve balls, sliders....and God is the one who knows what is coming. If we loosen our grip on life and focus on Jesus and not be so self assuming, and self absorbed and not so controling...it is then that we have the potential that God has given us to get on base or even hit a homerun in the situation that we are standing on the plate, waiting and pondering with great hope how it is to turn out.
Matthew 18:18
"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven


Whatever situation we are confronted with God is there with us.......he knows the outcome already...so no need to hold tight to the bat of action that is seemingly within our grasp...it is God who ultimatley will be the decison maker...we are to hold TIGHT to that promise, to hold TIGHT to a TRUST and a Faithfulness that is never failing and do the best that we can with confidence that whatever we ask in His name he will honor....he might not answer prayers as we envisiont hat they should be answered but he will answer them according to HIS WILL AND HIS PURPOSES!

We are called to loosen our grip on life and let God tighten his on our lives. For that is where we will find true victory and joy.

Dear Lord, I have such a tendency to think my way is the best way,...please help me to see situations through the lens of your loving eyes, and to also see people through them as well. We as Christians are a team to be united in your word and in your way and too often I get to holding on a little too tight...and find myself striking out....and retreating back to a dugout disappointed over my actions and my performance. Help me Lord to recognize my weaknesses and insecurities and not be driven by them but be driven to you in need of transforming them. Amen

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!

website:
www.cathyjodeit.com
email address: cjodeit@gmail.com
The blog link below has all devotionals from the beginning of the year:

http://simplygod-cathy.blogspot.com/