My son, forget not my teaching, keep in mind my commands; For many days, and years of life, and peace, will they bring you. Let not kindness and fidelity leave you; bind them around your neck; Then will you win favor and good esteem before God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not; think about Him in all your ways,and He will guide you on the right paths.- Proverbs 3:1-6
My dad was a simple man. I know he did not have a resume or belonged any major civic, political or religious organizations or did things to impress the boss. I do know that he got on his kness and prayed almost daily. He provided for his family, took pride in his work as a city employee and loved baseball. This July 25th he would've celebrated his 82nd birthday.
As my mother and I prayed over his tombstone this year I could hear him words asking me if I was still playing baseball.He played his last game at age 62 on a Labor Dat against the Tucon Old Timers. They lost that day but dad batted and took the field that day. After the game all the gentlemen and their families celebrated with a dinner and dance. A month later he passed away after a two year battle with cancer.
Dad gave generously to the neiborhood kids including bikes and toys. He visited his parents and in laws regularly and take them groceries. He taught me and my brothers how to play the game with passion. My mother's sisters were our best fans packing lunches, cheering and chasing foul balls. Later on my baseball family would include my wife and daughters. They sacrificed much to be with me or support me. I in turn did not say thank you enough.
Today I too am battling cancer and winning the fight with the Grace of God eventhough other clhallenges still lie ahead. I am not playing ball as much. My baseball family now encouraging me with prayer. I am in church ministry with youth and not giving in to a pity party because of my condition. I pray to God to release me from the desire to seek gratitude for past acomplishments in sports or to pity myself for my illness but only to desire to be a mouthpiece for the Glory of God in all that I do in sport or work.
God placed my earthly father and his loving hand as a shining example of God's generosity. Other passions like cycling, hiking and rafting the Lord has granted me that I can learn to be more grateful. May I display the face of Christ in my personal pursuits for better health and relationships.
- Have you said thak you to those that support your playing time?
- Are playing to compete and win Championships and neglecting to demonstrate your Faith in God to your teammates and opponents?
- How will playing ball help you in other cahllenges you may be facing in your daily life?
Isaiah 40:28-31
Prov 27:17