I love baseball season because for the most part I get to watch my sons play at least 1 game during the week. This week we’ve been on the road so I managed to get a play- by -play update from my wife, Lori. Josh who is 13 came in to pitch at the bottom of the 4th inning with bases loaded, no outs. They were down by 8 but he was able to help his comeback and win the game. Eli’s game was during our concert so I wasn’t able to get the minute-by-minute. His team won 15-2. I couldn’t wait to get the details so I called him as soon as I got back to the hotel. Unfortunately, he was already asleep. Bummer! A few minutes later, my phone rings. “Hey Dad, it’s Eli.” “E, what’s up? I thought you were asleep!” “I was, but Mom told me you called and I wanted to tell you about my game. I walked twice, hit a double to the fence, caught a hard line drive at 3rd and by the way, I got the game ball!” “Game ball!” Okay, I know it’s little league rec baseball. But man, when you’ve never had the opportunity to play organized sports and your son wins the game ball, you get the picture. I was ecstatic!
It’s 1:45 am and I’m still up. I’ve been reminiscing about Eli’s short career so far. I remember the significant victories and the tough defeats when we got totally annihilated. I remember his power hits and the at-bats when he struck out “looking”. I’m reliving the “Sportcenter-highlight” catches and the routine “pop flies” that he dropped. My favorite memory is when he hit his first home run! It’s pretty amusing to see an 8 year old hit one over the fence and then round the diamond with an “I just conquered the world look” while pointing to the sky. I’ll never forget it!
As you can tell, I’m a pretty proud Dad. I love my sons! There’s nothing they can do to change that. Sure they can be unruly at times and wreak havoc like nobody’s business but still, they’re my sons. I especially get frustrated when they disrespect Lori or come across ungrateful but I can’t help but love them. Whether they hit a home run and win the game or strike out and lose it, it makes no difference. I love them just the same.
Can you imagine how God must feel about us? I heard a song the other day that says “He dances over me and quiets me with His love.” The human mind cannot fathom or grasp how wide, deep and everlasting His great love is for us.
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15).
I don’t know what you might be facing today, but God the Father loves you no matter what. You might have struck out a few times. Maybe you’ve dropped some routine “pop flies.” You’ve tripped over yourself trying to run the bases of life. You’ve been called “out” more than your share! Remember, He is mighty to save you. He is not yelling at you from the dugout. He is with you encouraging you to swing! Don’t chase the ball, wait for your pitch. Your time is coming! But today while you are standing strong at the plate, waiting for that curve, fastball or change-up, He is cheering you on waiting in love to give you the GAME BALL!
On Deck,
Joe
