“…For it it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

America’s Pastime

Walk His Way Revisited

I sat on the floor as a youngster with a puzzle or some homework as my mom played solitaire listening to World Series baseball games on the radio. We lived in the Midwest and she happened to like an eastern team and so I, of course, loved that team as well. There’s an old jingle that states there is nothing like baseball, hot dogs, and apple pie that people referred to as America’s pastime. My mom was a great cook, so I loved the apple pie too. I grew up, and married—and my husband fortunately liked the same team so we attended many games.

I was watching “my team” a couple of weeks ago on television. One of the accomplished analysts (who now is a hall of fame pitcher in the Cooperstown, NY Hall of Fame Museum) was announcing the game along with a batting analyst and, of course, the color commentator (the play-by-play commentator.) The analysts both now live in the greater Los Angeles area. The pitching analyst then made the comment, “It doesn’t matter where you came from; it only matters where you are today.”

Wow, what a point to ponder. My thought was, “If we are only concerned with how much money we have in the bank and where we live, then is God an after-thought?” I personally cannot imagine passing off my childhood and adulthood as being unimportant. I am so very thankful that God allowed me to have the experiences that I had in those early years and that He has taught and guided me and used me in oh so many ways.

I no longer sit on the floor with Mom working puzzles or reading and listening to a game, because she lives with our Father in heaven. These bones now look for a comfy place to read God’s Word or watch a game on television. God doesn’t want us to be concerned about living in a grand house or worry about what people think of what we have or acquire. Our desire should be centered around Christ, for He tells us in Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Father, I thank You for my heritage and for Your guidance throughout my life. I ask, Father, that You will stimulate our minds and give each of us a sincere desire to be about Your business of witnessing to those we meet. In Your glorious and miraculous Name, Lord Jesus.