Your Spiritual Journey
The Joy of the Game
The Joy of the Game
This time of year, when we move from spring to summer, is when I think a lot about sports. Baseball was my main sport when I was growing up and I always enjoy seeing the baseball fields around town fill up with baseball and softball players. Seeing a professional game is always enjoyable, but there is nothing better than a little league or high school game, in my opinion. The joy that you see in the players is something to cherish. It is the joy of playing the game. As you look around the field at the start of a game, you will see determination in each player, you will hear encouragement shouted to each other, and you will watch them get ready for the pitch. Sure, there will be the occasional error or strike out that may bring a frown or even a tear, but these mistakes are short lived in memory. The joy of playing will overcome those obstacles. The encouragement of their teammates will help to overcome the setback. There is joy in winning the game and there are lessons learned in losing one as well. There were so many life lessons that I learned on a baseball field. Teamwork, working hard work, being responsible, and handling adversity, to name a few. All the hours that were spent practicing and playing pickup games in the neighborhood were all worth it. There was true joy in just playing the game. This is same feeling that I would hope for us in our walk with Christ. To train and push ourselves to do our very best for the Lord. All the while having the same joy in the opportunity to step on the field and play.
“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” 1 Corinthians 9:25
In Christian Love,
Bob
