Opening Day of MLB 2022 is only a few weeks away, which means Spring is almost here! I’m mostly a fair weather baseball fan, but do enjoy a good game, whether in little league or the big leagues. When I was growing up, I heard stories about my grandfather playing semi-pro baseball in his youth and even pitching back to back games. I’m not sure if regional farm teams qualify as semi-pro, but it sounded fun. My grandpa was still able to wind up and throw a few balls to me, even in his 80’s. The sign of a good pitcher, besides throwing strikes, was having a variety of pitches in his arsenal. A change-up looks like a fastball delivery, but is much slower, and can throw a batter off. There are a lot of baseball phrases we use in daily life, which often apply. How do you react when life throws you a curve-ball, a change-up, or a fastball right at your head?
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
My wife is gone for two weeks to a training in Texas, so that is my change-up for the time being. Fortunately, we had a few weeks notice to prepare, so our two youngest children went with grandparents for a few days, so I could still work. I got the oldest off to school this morning and was both excited and alarmed at the quietness of the house. I’m used to distractions and this new environment threw me off a little. We have Spring Break next week, and have some adventures planned with a mostly stay-cation. It’s good to step outside of our comfort zones and normal routines from time to time, as it makes us examine our lives and daily habits a little more closely. Whether going to a new training, a vacation, or just trying something different in our routines can help make us more adaptable, and maybe more aware of the needs around us as well. What intentional or unintentional changes have happened to you recently?
Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8
Habits and Routines can either be a blessing or curses in our lives. All good and bad habits start somewhere…I’ll just try it, or it seems to work for my friend, etc. Sometimes they are intentional, and other times, they ‘just happen’ to us when we take the path of least resistance. That’s why it’s good to change things up from time to time, so we know what habits are helpful and which are hurtful to us and others. Just like with a good baseball player, we must practice those good habits in order to eliminate the ones we don’t desire in our lives. We also have to be intentional, as the things that are beneficial to us and others (good communication, prayer, making time to help, getting in the Word, etc) don’t usually come about naturally. Identify and make plans to develop two new habits in your life that will help you be who want to be. If you don’t know what that is, just ask God, and/or a few trusted coaches in your life, as I’m sure they may have a few suggestions on what you can do to help win. May you take some time to enjoy the game as you make your way through it this week.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Yours in Christ,
Clark
