Little Hannah Bear (the family nickname for my great-niece Hannah) was up to bat. Her coach drew Hannah’s attention to him as he prepared to place the ball in the pitching machine. Hannah stood up at the plate, took a practice swing, and watched her coach. The ball came and she swung. The "plong" of a ball hit solidly rang out. An amazing hit for such a little one! Hannah took off running as fast as she could go and made it to first. The first hit of the season! Excitement everywhere! The next batter made solid contact and Hannah ran hard for second, looked at her coach then ran for third, looked at her coach then ran for home. Her legs were holding up, and she was still running almost full speed. Then disaster hit. The fielder made an excellent throw to home, the catcher caught the ball, and Hannah was tagged out. A frustrated little girl walked to the dugout.
This is like much of what happens to us in life. We practice and prepare. The hard work pays off and we experience success--such a joy that things are finally going right. Things are looking better and better when disaster hits and we experience being put out. Like Hannah we walk to the dugout in frustration and disappointment.
Hannah was greeted by her coach with wonderful encouraging words and told to get her glove to go out in field. When Hannah came up to bat again, she was excited and ready to hit the ball.
So just like Hannah’s coach encouraged her and sent her to do the next thing, our God never leaves us down if we listen to him. He will comfort us, send us off to the next task, and encourage us again as we grow more skilled at living our lives for him.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NIV
Lord, thank you for the encouragement and the coaching along the way. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, make me more skilled at living for you.
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