baseball

-
Why Quakers love baseball

Simplicity - Ball, bat, glove. Throw, hit, run, catch. It doesn't get much simpler than that.

Peace - Like an umpire who decides if a pitch is in the strike zone or not, we are to let the sense of peace in our hearts (or lack of peace) tell us whether or not we are on track:

"Let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]." Colossians 3:15 AMP 

Integrity - Safe or out? Strike or ball? Baseball may be the only sport that still trusts the umpires to make rulings on each play without further review and instant video replays. That could change next year, but for now we trust the integrity of a handful of men and their eye witness.

Community - There is something about the smell of peanuts and beer, everyone wearing the same color shirt, singing the National Anthem with thousands of other fans, and seeing your team take the field that makes you feel like inviting everyone in your section to Thanksgiving dinner.

Equality - Every player starts every new season with a clean slate. Batting averages aren't measured by the color of your skin, the state or country you were born in, whether you are rich or poor, in your 20s or your 30s. ERAs aren't determined by your sexuality, dietary preferences, or college GPA. None of it matters. And if it does matter to you, then you don't really love baseball.

Stewardship - Recognizing the sanctity of America's greatest past time--in which families and friends come together to play and celebrate--is good stewardship. The rich green beauty of the field--be it the Great American Ballpark or Yankee Stadium--is enough to make you feel closer to God. 

EMBRACE BASEBALL.

May we always cherish our love of the game.


Went to see 42 in the theater this week. Amazing movie. Profoundly touched by it. They don't make enough quality films like this one any more. 

 And in case you need one more reason to love the game, check out this news article about a special moment with our hometown heroes, the Cincinnati Reds: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/19/teddy-reds-batboy-cheers-_n_3114231.html

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

names

-
Image
Yesterday my sermon was about the importance of names. Matthew 1 begins with a list of names, the genealogy of Jesus. Mark 1 begins with baptism, when our name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Luke 1 begins with an angel telling Zechariah he would have a son, to be named John. And John 1 says "In the beginning...", reminding us of Genesis when God called things into creation, named them, and gave Adam his first assignment--to name all the animals. And because we are celebrating Jesus' birthday this week, we talked about His all important name. Jesus, which means "God saves." And Immanuel, "God is with us." Not "for" us. But "with" us. Dwelling among us. Walking the earth. Filling our hearts. I also shared that Katie means "pure". A name I've always been intimidated by. A name I never thought I could live up to. But through this year of self-exploration, of embracing fears and family and lessons ...
Read more

No Purpose in Pie Town

-
Image
Life is always changing. Sometimes it feels like a long process, sometimes it happens in an instant, and other times it just sneaks right up on you. A year ago, Randy and I were in the middle of nowhere ( Pie Town, New Mexico ), 100 percent sure that it was our next move. His mom was told she only had 6 months to live , so our plan was to care for her in her final days. During our visit, I envisioned putting my office in the loft. And already anticipated being irritated by the television and phone calls and visitors below. Randy made up the plans to convert the garage into a master suite for us. We even picked out our flooring. I researched getting certified to teach at the local elementary school and Randy had scoped out the local diner where he planned to "sling hash." We were excited about the hiking and bouldering opportunities in the area and even bought special shoes. But as the months passed by, mom seemed to be as stubborn and healthy as ever. An...
Read more

shortcomings

-
Image
I am a terrible housekeeper. I never remember to dust and I haven't seen my kitchen table in months. Yes I do eat at said table. And if you want to join me you are welcome to put your plate on a book or magazine of your choice. I have zero willpower. Every 3 months for 10 days I do a "cleanse" and only eat lean meat, fruits, and vegetables. I am yet to make it to day 5 without cheating. I am very wasteful. I waste everything. Everything. I had never heard of Saint Nicholas Day until yesterday (even though Wikipedia says it is popular in Cincinnati). And it sounds really scary. Kids getting butchered (on a similar note, did you hear they are going to make a movie out of the books Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark ?). Demons kidnapping naughty children. Giving presents to unmarried women who "need" to find a husband. (Maybe it's not such a shortcoming to have neglected to put my shoes outside Thursday night.) Typically when we talk about shortcomings ...
Read more