I pulled up to church and parked my car in front of the park. After a couple of steps, I noticed four young boys playing baseball. As I walked up I thought, "If that batter gets a hold of a ball he could potentially hit my brand new car." I hurried to get inside and set my things down and go back out to move my car...all the while my eyes were glued to the batter.
First pitch, "Strike." Second pitch, "Ball." Third pitch, "SMACK!"...a deep fly ball, going...going..."THUD" straight into the side of my car. I dropped my things on the ground and hurried over to check the damage and move it immediately.
Sitting directly in front of my car was the young outfielder, his knees drawn tightly into his chest and his face hidden deep in the pocket of his glove. I knew he was upset because he missed the fly ball; the possible damage to my car was the farthest thing from his young mind. He felt like a failure. Upon seeing his distress, my new, possibly dented car faded into the background as I stopped and told him, "It's okay, it's only one missed ball...you'll catch the next one." His head turned ever so slightly, a single tear filled eye blinked at me from inside the shadow of his glove. I smiled and cheerfully said, "You'll get the next one, you'll see." His head lifted from its hiding place; sweeping his arm across his damp face, he dried his tears, stood up and got ready for the next ball.
Do you ever feel like you're getting hit with life's "baseballs" or missing the opportunities you feel you should be "catching"? Do you find yourself becoming discouraged, defeated and broken? Are you finding it hard to get back up and move forward?
Just like that little boy, each of us face disappointments and failures; but you have a choice in those difficult times. You can continue to hide your face in your "glove" (wherever you run to be alone and feel sorry for yourself) as life's "home-run's" pass you by. Or you can look up from the darkness, brush yourself off and head back out onto the "field" knowing that today's failures are only momentary.
God has a perfect plan and purpose for your life. He will give you daily guidance, direction and encouragement. He'll make today's failures...tomorrow's successes. You are being refined. Let him work in you and through you. Remember...you are a tool in God's hand. Pray and renew your hope and faith in Him today. Allow Him to complete His masterpiece...you!
"We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1:3
"May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance." 2 Thessalonians 3:5
"I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices, my body also will rest in hope because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead you will not let your holy one see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence." Acts 2:25-28
Beautiful post Lisa. The LORD bless thee and keep thee!
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