A winning moment...

So it is baseball season...fly balls, batting practice, Nike cleats, popcorn, peanuts, and cracker jacks!

I have always loved the game of baseball.

It can be so relaxing to just sit in the outfield and watch the nine innings of play. Young kids have their hats on and gloves in their hands, anxiously awaiting a long hit or a foul ball. Parents allow their children to roam the seats if there is room. Everyone is relaxed and content and just enjoying a day at the park!

Last night Doug and I watched the final innings of the College World Series. It was all tied up and the two teams were heading into the 10th inning of play! Pitchers had been stretched to their ultimate strength - arms sore, legs weary, heads spinning. Both teams hovered the edge of the dugouts on each and every play, wondering if this at bat would end the game and provide a national championship!

Tension and excitement were high! Emotions were raging. Fans were screaming. I am sure prayers were being lifted up from both sides of the field by various players, coaches, and moms!!!

Then the hit came.

A player from South Carolina hit one to right field and in an instant he knew he had just won the game for his team! He hollered and cheered as he rounded the bases. The winning team piled at home plate, a huge mound of college bodies overtaken with the joy of ending their season as National Champions!

This was the moment they had waited for. This was the moment they had practiced for. This was the moment they had dreamed of!

But the real moment came after the pile had been unmounted. After the players had taken their winning run to outfield to celebrate with their fans. After the coach had been interviewed and the umpires had retreated to the locker rooms.

The real moment came when one of the reporters interviewed a college kid from South Carolina...


"I just want to thank God for this opportunity!"

NINE WORDS...that's it...nothing more...for him, it wasn't about the winning hit, or the number of strike-outs, or the endurance...

For him...it was about GOD!

Now, that's a winning moment!

Dear Lord, Might I also take the time to thank you for the opportunity! The opportunity to breathe again today. The opportunity to look into the eyes of my children. The opportunity to kiss my husband goodbye. The opportunity to share your love, your Word, your saving grace with others! I just want to thank God for this opportunity!