Little League Baseball. Both of my nephews love baseball. They were given the opportunity to play in the summer league this year. Their games were at Lafortune Park so his parents and his Aunts and Uncle came to cheer them on.
On any given evening we'd be sweating and watching two games across from each other. We'd split up to watch both nephews, text each other the score and then all run to the field in which one nephew was at bat.
My oldest nephew was on a good team. This is his first year playing a team sport and he wanted to be good. He put a lot of pressure on himself. We all held our breath each time he got up to bat. Often he went back to the dugout frustrated and we would be clapping and yelling, "Shake it off, you'll get it next time." He was thinking homerun, instead of base hit...
My nephew sometimes loses interest if he doesn't catch on quickly to an activity. Not with baseball. He made every practice and whenever he could persuade someone - to the batting cage he would go. He even got to go to a two day baseball camp; pretty sophisticated. They hooked him up and told him where his strengths were and how he could improve.
The TinCaps were in first place going into the championship game. If they won, they would be the champs in their division.
Okay, it's Friday night, not much of a breeze...the field they were playing on faced the setting sun...brutal. But, his supporters were there, with Gatorade and cold towels around our necks.
I was standing near the opposing team's dugout because I was nervous and I wanted to see his face when he was batting. I was praying out loud for him, "Father You care about every detail of our lives - this detail counts big time for my nephew, bless him and let him know the blessing is from You."
He got up to bat and struck out. His fans gave a collective sigh and clapped encouragement.
A sense of urgency was added to my prayer...play continued...TinCaps held the lead.
He got up to bat, TinCaps were ahead but not by much. We held our breath and I was beseeching the Father....pllleeeeeasssee!!
BAM. HE HIT IT...base hit!!!! Base hit!!!! Oh, OH, he knocked a teammate in, yes!!! Yahoo!! Cool, Jesus, thank you.
My nephew has a smile of impact. There it was, man what a sight. His coaches were yelling words of support. First base coach gave him a fist bump and patted him on the back. He saw me and I gave him two thumbs up. He nodded.
Okay, okay, God, now, I'm asking a lot but well, can he score too???? BAM.
There he goes...safe at second. Okay, Jesus, another base and then home plate...how cool would that be...breathe, deni, breathe...
BAM. He's going...he's running...in my mind's eye he's in slow motion...coach is pointing him home...his head is down, he rounds third...oh dear Jesus...
SSSSSSLLLLLL IIIIIIIIDDDDDEEEEEEE...... (That's slide in slow motion)
He did an incredible slide...
S A F E!!! HE Scored!!!!! Hallelujah Jesus!!!
"That's my nephew, yep, I'm in his family...yep, the one that slid...my nephew...way to go handsome dude...we're related.." :-)
Oh, did I mention the TINCAPS WON THE TOURNAMENT TOO!!!
His first trophy...his first victory...his first accomplishment.
Last summer my nephew said `Yes' to Jesus. This summer he is learning that the things that matter take hard work and commitment. He is learning that God cares about every aspect of our lives. He is learning that God is with him no matter where he is, what he's doing or where he's going. God cares about what matters to us...even making a base hit in Little League Baseball. God is building his character.
When he got home he didn't want to take his uniform off because he didn't want to `take off the win'...he was considering sleeping with his trophy too.
He's savoring the victory...we need to do that too. When God answers our prayers...when He blesses us with exactly what we pray for...we need to sit in the Son and just be thankful. Don't just toss Him a "thanx" but reflect, relive, tell and retell what God is doing in your life. Your story, your answered prayer, your testimony will give God the glory...the world is lost and we must share our Hope that is Jesus!!! We do that by telling others the story of our lives.
Oh, by the way...my nephews? They journeyed to Texas to see Derek Jeter play in his last season....twice!!! Isn't that just the coolest??
A summer to remember...praise you Jesus!!! Thank you!! Hallelujah!
d
