Choices in Baseball and Life

John 7:16-18
Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

The rhythm of the game of baseball relaxes me. The runners round the bases in order—first, second, third, and home—and the rules make sense, most of the time.

This summer a grandson is playing the great American game, Tim is ushering at the Reds, and a granddaughter is playing softball. My family has a long friendship with the game. Grandpa Griffith hosted baseball games at his farm in the 1920s and 30s. Mom shared stories of watching the men lift their bats and run the bases.

As I’ve watch baseball and softball, I see the players making a lot of decisions. How far to run to field the ball, when to run and when to stay on base, when to hit and when to wait.

Much like baseball, life is full of choices. Every day I’m faced with decisions. What to do, how to react, what to say, but I have an advantage when it comes to the choices I make. I talk to God and seek his wisdom for what I should do. Like the baseball player looks to the coach, I seek God’s wisdom. You see, I love God, and I want to glorify him and follow his will.

In my decisions, I seek God’s wisdom and when I forget, I struggle. God gives free will, and he wants me to choose. So I choose him. I Praise God for his wisdom and the freedom of being a believer.

Bend God’s ear when you have choices to make.

Find the Tunnel

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp for my feet,
    a light on my path.

Can you hold your breath through a tunnel?

On vacation or road trips, I remember a game where we tried to hold our breath while we crossed a bridge or drove through a tunnel. I think that was our parents' way of getting us quiet for a few minutes. Oh, wait, I was the parent, and yes, it was the perfect game for a moment of peace.

In my travels, I've never been a fan of crossing bridges, especially long ones. I remember on one trip we drove across a long curving bridge over water, and my stomach turned into ball of nerves. On other trips, we've traveled through tunnels, and I loved them. When Hannah lived in the Carolina's we drove through a couple of long tunnels that snaked under mountains, and I was always excited to see the light at the other end. There's something about the anticipation of seeing daylight shine on the way out.

While riding through a tunnel in a car with headlights can be fun, navigating life in the dark isn't. Depression, illness, sorrow, pain, and sin can all cause darkness to swallow the light. But I have good news. Jesus' light outshines all the darkness in the world.

For many years, I struggled with anxiety and some depression, but Jesus didn't leave me there. He guided me to find a doctor who could help, he answered prayers, and gave me hope. But in order to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I first had to find the tunnel. God's word, His voice of truth, lit my way through the place I needed to walk. On the other end, I found joy and hope.

Maybe you know the way to the tunnel that provides light, but haven't driven there yet. Maybe you're in the tunnel and well on your way to the light. Maybe you've missed the tunnel altogether. No matter what, keep moving toward Jesus and seek His light. He loves every one of us.

Wisdom to Make a Choice

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Decisions can be difficult. How do I know the best thing to do, the best choice to make?

I’m slow when it comes to shopping for most anything.

And I try not to be an impulse buyer (except for maybe that tempting chocolate bar by the counter.)

If I’m considering a big purchase, I want every detail about the item before I make the final decision. I haven’t always been this way. But the older I get, the more I realize I need to weigh my options with care.

If I’m that mindful of the value of material items, how much more cautious should I be of life decisions?

The ones that affect my family and friends require great consideration. But where does the wisdom to make a choice come from?

True wisdom originates with God. Easy answer, but how do we as humans recognize our heavenly Father’s wisdom? Jesus’ brother James says heaven’s wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, kind, impartial, and sincere. In other words, God’s wisdom does no harm. His measuring stick has a bi-product of peace, consideration, and mercy.

Facts and information are great indicators that help weigh the pros and cons. But as a believer, I know God offers wisdom and understanding that’s more precious than any gold or silver. He wants me to make my choices with his input, through prayer and petition.

When you need to make a decision of any kind seek God’s wisdom and guidance.

tweetable: How do I make a choice?