Strikeout

I walked up to the plate wearing used cleats and holding a second-hand bat. Our church’s softball team was well ahead in runs but I still felt pressure to perform. Why? John W. Smith, one of my friends and preaching  heroes was standing behind the backstop. He had just completed a powerful seminar at the Church I was serving and was staying over until the Pepperdine University Bible Lectures. I had invited him earlier that day to watch the game since I knew he loves sports.

Before John arrived, I had already hit a nice grounder for a single but this time at bat I wasn’t as loosened up and I knew it. So did my teammates for I heard them encourage me, "Hey John...relax." So, I decided to let the first pitch pass no matter how good it looked. It seemed like a good idea at the moment. But, that became a big mistake. In that league, you go to the plate with one ball and one strike counted against you in order to keep the pace moving. The pitcher sent me a beautiful gift right into my power zone and I let it pass. “Strike two!” the umpire cried out. But it was actually I who was crying inside because I realized I had set myself up for too much pressure and in danger of being struck out. The next pitch was dreadfully short of the base but I swung nevertheless and swoosh - - I was out.

I did not want to go back to where my mentor and teammates were gathered. I wanted to just walk away and get a grip on the emotions racing through me. You see, for a competitive 40-something, out of shape man who can still remember when he was great at the game, sports can be brutally frustrating. Expectations followed by failure can lead to humiliation. Dragging my countenance off the field, I braced for the comments. The really bad thing about being someone who dishes out a razzing to others is that you must take it when it’s your turn to be razzed.

When I stepped off the field John did give me a hard time but quickly gauged my reaction and then did the unexpected. He hugged me. I had struck out in front of my son Matthew, my teammates, their wives in the bleachers, the opposing team and most painfully – my role model. Now we stood there hugging. It’s amazing how embracement removes embarrassment. When someone wraps their arms around you and applies pressure it’s as if they squeeze the negative emotions out of you. I've always felt better after a hug.

Father God, hug me. Hold me close and squeeze out of my soul the remorse I feel from striking out in front of Your eyes. I need affirmation not condemnation, intimacy not criticism. I need grace. Remind me that its not always about performance and perfection but about kinship and closeness. Thank You for inspiring me to get back onto Your field. I’m proud to be uniformed with Christ and will play the game of life the best I can. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.


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THIS SUNDAY (1/1512) John W. Smith (click here) will be preaching for the Gateway Church of Christ 

His first message will be at 9:30 AM followed with a sermon during our 10:30 worship gathering

go to:  www.gatewaycofc.org    for directions






Blessings,

John <><