Stay in the Game
I went a friend's t-ball game earlier this week. I think it was my first t-ball game ever and it was entertaining! My friend is four years old and it was his team's second game of the season. Carson and his team-mates were not real clear on all the rules and strategies of the game but they had fun. They all seemed to know they would get a turn at bat, that sometimes they stood in varying places in the field, that running and finding bases was as important as retrieving the ball, and home plate was the ultimate goal.
I watched and cheered and laughed at the precious sight of preschoolers learning a new game and learning the team concept. At one point I looked out and Carson was in the outfield, laying on the ground, bored, hot, tired, glove off, hat off, with his dad trying to get him back in the game. I heard Father say to me, "Stay in the game." I stopped for a minute to reflect on my day. It was a typical Monday and one much like many others when the enemy told me to give up. At least once a week I have a day when I hear him say, "It isn't fun any more - it isn't worth the effort - what you are doing doesn't matter - playing outfield is boring - take off your glove and hat - just quit!" But on Monday, Carson's game day, I didn't quit and I was praising as I was driving my car out of the parking garage after work. I was thanking Father for how He sent blessed people to encourage me and inspire me that day. I remember saying these words as I rounded a turn in the garage, "Oh, Father, thank You so much for keeping me in the game!"
While watching Carson and reflecting on the day I was also reminded that life- the game - is not all about me. But why did Father care so much if I stayed in the game? And why was He so kind in sending such wonderful encouragment at just the right time? It was easier for me to understand why Carson's dad was with him in the field coaxing him back into the t-ball game. Ron was doing it for Carson - because he loves him and wants him to learn to play a fun game and experience the joy of playing well. Ron was doing it for Ron - as a father he wanted to see his son participating, doing his best, and being successful because that is a reflection on him. But even more, Ron was doing it for the team. Ron is the coach and as coach he wanted Carson, and every child on the team, to be 'in the game' so the team could learn, grow, excel, work together, and experience the joy of playing ball - and so they woud win!!! So... Father coaxes me back into the game for the same reasons - because He loves me and has my best interest at heart - because He wants to see me participating and productive and successful because that brings Him glory - and because, as Coach, He sees the team and the big picture and how my position on the field fits into the win.
A.W. Tozer says it like this in The Knowledge of the Holy (New York: Harper and Brothers, 1961): "All God's acts are done in perfect wisdom, first for His own glory, and then for the highest good of the greatest number for the longest time." Father God - Coach - has the team and the win in mind. His glory and His victory in the eternal kingdom are His focus. He has the highest good of the greatest number for the longest time at the top of His priority list. And because He is a good and loving God, He also coaxes me back into the game in such a way that is kind and gentle and brings about good and blessed things in my life. And having me in the game gives Him glory and strengthens the team, bringing about the kingdom win that will stand through eternity.
It really isn't all about me, is it? It isn't about my weariness, my boredom, my feelings, my needs, my perceptions. And it isn't all about me when Coach manages to coax me back on my feet, gets my hat back on my head and my hand back into the glove to finish my turn in the outfield. And it isn't all about me when I get my turn at bat either - even though I am the center of attention as I stand there and all eyes are on me as I swing at the ball. And it isn't all about me when I get a good hit, round the bases, and score a run, crossing home plate with my arms high in a victory pose! And it isn't all about me when the game is over and I get a cold drink and a snack and all the grown-ups are high-fiving me and telling me I played a great game.
"So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever." II Corinthians 4:16-18 (The Message)
Thank You, Father, for reminding me that this life is Your life to live in me. This game is your game. This team is your team. The win is Your win. Whatever position I am given to play is for Your glory and Your kingdom. Thank You for keeping me in the game even when I'm out in the field. Thank You for the times when another player actually hits one that far out and I get a chance to make a great play. Thank You for my times at bat, the base hits, and for the runs. Thank You for rotating field positions so sometimes I'm in close with the rest of the team and able to make some good catches and throws. Thank You for all the encouraging dads and moms and coaches of this world who stand next to me as I play and share Your blessed words with me that keep me in the game.
"So, friends, take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high. Keep a tight grip on what you were taught, whether in personal conversation or by our letter. May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech." II Thessalonians 2:15-17 (The Message)
Stay in the game,
Amy
I watched and cheered and laughed at the precious sight of preschoolers learning a new game and learning the team concept. At one point I looked out and Carson was in the outfield, laying on the ground, bored, hot, tired, glove off, hat off, with his dad trying to get him back in the game. I heard Father say to me, "Stay in the game." I stopped for a minute to reflect on my day. It was a typical Monday and one much like many others when the enemy told me to give up. At least once a week I have a day when I hear him say, "It isn't fun any more - it isn't worth the effort - what you are doing doesn't matter - playing outfield is boring - take off your glove and hat - just quit!" But on Monday, Carson's game day, I didn't quit and I was praising as I was driving my car out of the parking garage after work. I was thanking Father for how He sent blessed people to encourage me and inspire me that day. I remember saying these words as I rounded a turn in the garage, "Oh, Father, thank You so much for keeping me in the game!"
While watching Carson and reflecting on the day I was also reminded that life- the game - is not all about me. But why did Father care so much if I stayed in the game? And why was He so kind in sending such wonderful encouragment at just the right time? It was easier for me to understand why Carson's dad was with him in the field coaxing him back into the t-ball game. Ron was doing it for Carson - because he loves him and wants him to learn to play a fun game and experience the joy of playing well. Ron was doing it for Ron - as a father he wanted to see his son participating, doing his best, and being successful because that is a reflection on him. But even more, Ron was doing it for the team. Ron is the coach and as coach he wanted Carson, and every child on the team, to be 'in the game' so the team could learn, grow, excel, work together, and experience the joy of playing ball - and so they woud win!!! So... Father coaxes me back into the game for the same reasons - because He loves me and has my best interest at heart - because He wants to see me participating and productive and successful because that brings Him glory - and because, as Coach, He sees the team and the big picture and how my position on the field fits into the win.
A.W. Tozer says it like this in The Knowledge of the Holy (New York: Harper and Brothers, 1961): "All God's acts are done in perfect wisdom, first for His own glory, and then for the highest good of the greatest number for the longest time." Father God - Coach - has the team and the win in mind. His glory and His victory in the eternal kingdom are His focus. He has the highest good of the greatest number for the longest time at the top of His priority list. And because He is a good and loving God, He also coaxes me back into the game in such a way that is kind and gentle and brings about good and blessed things in my life. And having me in the game gives Him glory and strengthens the team, bringing about the kingdom win that will stand through eternity.
It really isn't all about me, is it? It isn't about my weariness, my boredom, my feelings, my needs, my perceptions. And it isn't all about me when Coach manages to coax me back on my feet, gets my hat back on my head and my hand back into the glove to finish my turn in the outfield. And it isn't all about me when I get my turn at bat either - even though I am the center of attention as I stand there and all eyes are on me as I swing at the ball. And it isn't all about me when I get a good hit, round the bases, and score a run, crossing home plate with my arms high in a victory pose! And it isn't all about me when the game is over and I get a cold drink and a snack and all the grown-ups are high-fiving me and telling me I played a great game.
"So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever." II Corinthians 4:16-18 (The Message)
Thank You, Father, for reminding me that this life is Your life to live in me. This game is your game. This team is your team. The win is Your win. Whatever position I am given to play is for Your glory and Your kingdom. Thank You for keeping me in the game even when I'm out in the field. Thank You for the times when another player actually hits one that far out and I get a chance to make a great play. Thank You for my times at bat, the base hits, and for the runs. Thank You for rotating field positions so sometimes I'm in close with the rest of the team and able to make some good catches and throws. Thank You for all the encouraging dads and moms and coaches of this world who stand next to me as I play and share Your blessed words with me that keep me in the game.
"So, friends, take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high. Keep a tight grip on what you were taught, whether in personal conversation or by our letter. May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech." II Thessalonians 2:15-17 (The Message)
Stay in the game,
Amy
Amy,
Wonderful story! I, too, witnessed the identical conduct in Carson that you reported, and Ron's efforts to encourage him, at his first T-ball game. I failed, however, to make a connection with Father's care for us that you discerned. Thank you for your attentiveness to the Spirit's leading as you witnessed this event. Your writing style communicated it in a way that exposed the lesson in all of its meaning. Thank you. Ron Hagan, Sr.
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I hope to see more and more... t-ball AND Father's care! Thank you for the encouragement, Ron, Sr. Bless you!
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And isn't it nice that we get time to sit on the bench and rest as others bat waiting for our turn again.
Thanks Amy!
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Ahhhh, yes! The rest...
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