It’s got to feel like 100 degrees outside and I just got back from my son Andrew’s little league game. This is his first year playing baseball and I am an assistant coach. I have learned many lessons in Andrew’s inaugural season.
- Cheer for anything you can. If anyone does anything that remotely looks like baseball the spectators throw a 10 second party.
- The snack after the game is more important than winning.
- Put your head down and just run.
Paul really followed this last principle in Acts 21. He knew what awaited him in Jerusalem was not the easy life, but he was committed on that path. Following Jesus is a grand adventure that sometimes resembles a little leaguer rounding third like a wobbly locomotive.
Don’t worry. Keep running. There is always snacks at the end of the game.
Mark,
Your little league analogy reminded me of Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Sometimes, I feel like I’m playing in God’s little league … my attempts to hit the ball or catch a fly have to look humorous from God’s perspective. But, I know that God along with the angels and saints are sitting in the stands cheering my every attempt. When I recognize that cheering section it becomes so much more exciting to play the game and try my best.
When I think of Hebrews 12 I have always pictured an Olympic Stadium. Maybe a little league stadium is more appropriate. love it.
MC