Those of you that know my family personally, know that my youngest son, LOVES to play baseball. He even played fall & winter baseball inside this past year and that then led to his first travel baseball experience! He was so very excited and stoked to play so many games as they were playing or practicing from November – July…a good nine months of baseball!
There was one game in particular where I was spectating that these thoughts came to me….It seems many principles of baseball are also fitting for this “game” of life. This particular game the team really came together, cheered each other on to really have that team spirit, communicated well on the field, made great plays and came out victorious even coming from way behind.
Tournament champs this day.
Lesson 1: You win some games and you lose some games.
Do you ever feel that way in your life? Some days you feel like you’re on top of everything and winning, while other days it seems like you just can’t win no matter how hard you try to be successful.
In the end, it really works out okay. God is still in control no matter what. With Him, we WIN and have the victory!
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. –1 Cori 15:57 (NIV)
Lesson 2: Some days you make all the right plays, but since we’re human, sometimes we make some errors.
No matter how hard we try, we still end up making some “mistakes” in this journey of life. We were not made to be perfect; only God is perfect. We need to learn from our mistakes and strive to improve everyday. It is so important to pick ourselves up, brush the dirt from us, and know each day is a new start. God loves us and forgives us no matter what. Our heart is what counts.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. –1 John 1:9 (NIV)
Lesson 3: You may be called to play a few different positions in the game of baseball. My son pitches, catches, plays 3rd base, shortstop, or is in the outfield.
In life, we are all called to different roles. First and foremost you are a Child of God, then you might be a son/daughter, husband/wife, parent, doctor, accountant, musician, etc.
All of these roles have important qualities or responsibilities tied to them. The more roles that you find yourself with gives you more opportunities to touch more people’s lives and share the love of the Lord with them. The key is to always do your best in whatever role you find yourself.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. –Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
Lesson 4: When a batter is hitting, sometimes they are thrown a strike, sometimes a curve ball, sometimes a fast ball, and sometimes something in between that is too high or low.
In this game of life, you never know what kind of “ball” life will throw at you. The key to success in life is to keep rooted in the source and refocusing your energy through loving the Lord. Your attitude and faith are what will make the biggest difference. Knowing that with God you can handle anything is a liberating feeling.
I can do everything through Him who gives me strengthen. –Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
Lesson 5: You need to keep believing in yourself, your team, and never give up. It is not over until that last out!
It is hard when we start doubting ourselves and our abilities. Our confidence can plummet very quickly. Sometimes we need that person to encourage us along the way to help us get our confidence up. Learning to never give up and keep trying our best are key elements to help us make it through the tough times. It isn’t really over until our final breath.
For nothing is impossible with God. –Luke 1:37 (NIV)
Team spirit! Go Bandits!
Lesson 6: Work as a team each member doing their “job” to the best of their ability. It is definitely a TEAM sport…No one person is responsible for the success of the team.
God has given us the gift of family and friends to work together with. Together is better and more can be accomplished when we are working as a team.
Have you ever experienced a major deadline or project at work? Didn’t things go much more smoothly when you worked as a team, each utilizing their talents and gifts that helped everything work together?
Can you think of times when someone came along side you and helped you see something in a fresh new way? Being connected to others can help us learn from others and expand our horizons.
For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. –Matt 18:20 (NIV)
Lesson 7: No matter what, you need to keep fighting and giving your best even when the stakes are stacked against you. One small thing can change everything.
No matter how down and out you are, you need to keep pressing one and searching for the light at the end of the tunnel. A simple little turn in events can change the whole situation around. Don’t ever give up!
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 3:14 (NIV)
For me, it was a blessing to reflect on how something as simple as watching a baseball game could show me lessons about baseball, life, and the Lord.
Can you think of your favorite sport to watch or play and find some lessons about life too?
His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” –Matthew 25:21 (NIV)