I once was on a little league baseball team. Apparently, I was the only one who didn’t know it.
There’s even an old picture to prove it. I’m standing on the front row– uniform tucked in, with team logo half showing. The bright blue cleats I’m wearing rarely ran around the bases, but they were great for stomping ant beds in the outfield.
I was a mediocre player at best. One who rarely left the bench. But then one day our star player got into trouble. Our coach made him sit out the first few innings, and put me in the game!
It was our turn at bat. “Coach, is there time for me to go use the restroom?” I asked–looking uncomfortable. He was concentrating on the game. “Ok, but hurry,” he responded, without taking his eyes off the field. “You’ll be up soon.”
I made it to the bathroom alright, but on the way back I took a detour. Passing by the concession stand, I remembered the two dollars in my front pocket. “There’s plenty of time to get something,” I reasoned. So I stood in line with two people ahead of me.
Walking back to the dugout, holding a dripping cherry snow cone with both hands, I see coach waving his arms frantically. “Duncan, where have you been? You’re up next!” he yelled–loudly enough for the home plate umpire to hear.
Years later I realized, I sat on the bench so much I didn’t feel like part of the team. I was never truly “in the game.”
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon… I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul – Philippians 2:19a-21 (NIV)
Please allow me to tell on myself a bit more.There was a time in my walk with God when I had no genuine interest in the things of Christ. For all intents and purposes I lived as a practical agnostic. I’m tempted to hold down “backspace” and delete the last sentence, but it’s true.
After losing both my ministry and marriage, I was very angry with the Lord. Thankfully, His unconditional love led me to repentance. He gently reminded me of the following: on heaven’s team, nobody sits on the bench. Everybody plays.
Kind reader, can you relate? Is there anything in your life distracting you from your next “at bat” for the Lord? May God grant us both the discipline and courage to stay in the game.
Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️ prayers and love.
Photo by Steshka Willems on Pexels.com
Davids Daily Dose 
Comments
39 responses to “Being Part of the Team”
I’m familiar with that song, Chris! It’s one of my son’s favorites. I’m also thankful God doesn’t just put the best players in the game. Everybody gets to take the field! Happy New Year, and God Bless.
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Thank you, Beth. Yes, anticipating our next “at bat” can be worse than stepping up to the plate. Thankfully, we have a loving God who never asks us to do more than we can handle—with his help. 🙏 for your next step.
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I love that closing line David- “May God grant us both the discipline and courage to stay in the game.” Truth be told, I think what is distracting me most from my next “at bat” for the Lord are all the uncertainties and unknowns of these times. So that word courage really hit a home run for me.
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I can relate to this. I spent a lot of time on the bench in my Little League years. This reminds me of the John Fogerty song “Centerfield”… “Put me in coach, I’m ready to play today.” So thankful God doesn’t keep us on the bench.
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You make an excellent point, Dawn. The size of the job or the leadership role does not diminish the reward. Hearing Christ’s “well done” means the most—in heaven and on earth. Thank you for reading and commenting. God Bless!
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Thanks David. I am glad in God’s eyes, we are always part of the team. He always has work for each of us to do. Even the simple jobs matter, like saying hello to someone, or offering them a smile.
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You’re welcome, BG!
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I love how you weave applicable scriptures into your comments. This is from 1st or 2nd Timothy, and it fits the story perfectly. Thanks, brother!
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God Speed, David. 🙂
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Be ready in season and out of season to give an account of the hope within us
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Thank you, Bridget. I’m on winter break (from school) so I have more time to write, or in this case, revamp, a post. God’s best to you.
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Amen! A beautiful and needed reminder. Thank you!
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I’m glad you can relate, Lesley. I sincerely appreciate your interest in my little blog. Another good turn on words, with similar sentiments is: “We put the fun in disFUNctional.”🙃
In hope you have a blessed day. God Speed!
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I can certainly relate to this, David – I am far too easily distracted. I am so thankful for the encouragement I receive from others, such as yourself, here on WordPress.
“What doesn’t kill us makes us stranger.” I LOVE that! Thank you for my early morning (uk) medicine of humour and encouragement. 😀
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Amen, brother! Our Lord and Savior doesn’t give up on us. And I am so very grateful!
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I think the first one probably works better actually 😂
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I can relate to your younger self David; I too took many detours in my walk with the Lord. It is only in recent years I have found myself back on track, and willing to step up to the plate for Him. How blessed we are by His loving patience with us!
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What doesn’t kill you makes you stranger. Oops, I meant stronger. 🤣
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Very true.
Yes scars, bruises, broken bones – you either learn from it or you don’t…it certainly defines you.
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I figured you could relate, Andy B. You don’t get as wise as you are, in the things of God, without scars. Blessings, my brother!
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The “Coach’s Call.” This is wonderful, Manette Kay! Yes, it’s easy to get distracted from listening for the Lord’s still, small voice. He doesn’t normally yell at us—like some earthly coaches do. Thank you for sharing. God Bless!
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I most certainly can relate!!!!!
Thanks for your refreshing and righteous honesty there my friend.
Andy B
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This is a great reminder to stay focused, avoid distractions, and always be attentive to the “Coach’s” call for us. Thanks, David, this speaks to me about how easy it is to wander off my way by distractions.
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You got it bro! Thanks!
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I didn’t know for sure what you meant, BG. I can correct it on my end.
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We are both up to bat! The one thing I don’t like about WordPress is the inability to correct a comment like you can on other social apps.
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Agreed, BG!
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We are both up to bat! Different locations! Same game! Spread the gospel! Good news! I would venture to say every time we share a tidbit of understanding we help someone. That has to be good news for them; especially, the longing searching hearts! Let’s keep encouraging them Dave!
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Ah, makes sense. 😃 Blessings to you as well!
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My first name is David. My little league coach was ex military. He often called us by our last names—especially when irritated. Thank you for your encouraging words. God Bless!
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I’m not necessarily competitive, but am easily distracted and impetuous. Our greatest strengths are often our top weaknesses, when not properly used. Thanks for stopping by, Gary. God Bless!
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The challenge is always before us isn’t it. Your story brings up some hard memories for me, mostly full time ministry memories. I’m too competitive, I want to coach myself too often.
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I always enjoy your posts! The humor and the realness (ie: telling on yourself) really resonated. Such a great reminder to be a part of the “team.”
P. S. I’ve assumed your name was David this whole time. It’s actually Duncan then? 🤦🏼♀️
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Amen, brother! You are a wonderful example of this.
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Yes, discipleship is not a part time job. Thank you for your thoughts. God Bless.
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Yes, and Amen! Thank you, Manu. God Bless.
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May God grant us the discipline and the courage to stay in the game- Amen 🙏🏽. A wonderful reminder David that we are not meant to sit on the bench, to be aware of things that distract and to step out and step forward for Jesus.
Blessings
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“On heaven’s team, nobody sits on the bench. Everybody plays.” I love that David. God has a purpose for all of us, and not just an occasional purpose. He is working in and through us every day of our lives. What a blessing. Thanks for the reminder, and encouragement.
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On heaven’s team, no one sits on the bench!
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