"Tis the Season" by Dean Inserra
Baseball season, that is. I get really into football, enjoy basketball,
but nothing gets me more excited in the sports world than hearing the
wonderful news that pitchers and catchers have reported for Spring
Training. I guess I am kind of like the people who watch Lost and
go crazy every Tuesday in anticipation for the newest episode, or the
nerds who stand in line for Harry Potter the night of its release.
Baseball is my ultimate relaxation. I love to put my feet up on the
seat in front of me and analyze everyone's swing and admire the
catcher's throwing ability down to second base.
There are a lot more things I should get excited about than the
Cubs sweeping the Cardinals (not that it ever happens). So in order to
keep my hobby in check, I try to make it a relationship building
opportunity. I work a second FSU baseball season ticket into the family
budget and use it to invite friends who I know enjoy the game. A
connection I have with a lot of my local friends is a major interest in
baseball. I also use games as a chance to have some much needed outings
with my son, Tommy, too. I will call an old high school buddy who I
know is not a Christian, invite him to bring his son to the game with
us, and talk about life while eating pretzels in the bleachers.
The best missional efforts are rarely organized. It is just continuing relationships we already have.
Are
you into a certain tv show? Do you have friends at work who have the
common love for the show? Have them over to your house to watch it.
Kickboxing, fishing, running, kids the same age, video games?
Always be on the lookout for normal, non-threatening, everyday things
you can use to connect. Not because you have some crazy convert
everyone agenda, but because you are following the example of Jesus by intentionally being in the lives of those who need Him the most.
I love the emails, tweets, and texts I get from Well folks on a
regular basis about the relationships they are building and the work
God is doing.
Look for me at the FSU games. Please say a prayer
for the person I have with me. Who knows how God will use our
conversation about what pitcher needs to come in to get out of the
bases loaded jam in the 7th inning.
