Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Police (10/12/06)
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TITLE: Pay Attention to the Policing of the Game | Previous Challenge Entry
By Billie Buckley
10/18/06 -
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“Do you have an addiction?”
“Me…an addiction? Don’t be ridiculous! I'll never be caught in that problem."
We know other folks have addictions. We may all hide a bad habit or two, but certainly not an addiction.
What does an addiction owner look like? If you turn on your television any given weekend you can see as any as 90,000 addictions screaming or booing or even fighting. (Those characteristics are certalinly in need on some policing.)
They are called fans. But in reality they could be folks with addictions to any sport. Football. Baseball. Basketball.
Today I pick baseball. It’s close to the World Series, and the play-offs are having a great amount of power over many fans. Do you, as a fan, ever pay close attention to baseball announcers?
I realize they are announcing a baseball game, but what they really are doing is talking about life. Let me share with you what I heard from an announcer recently. Hopefully, it will cause you to pause and ponder the words of the game as well as the plays.
See if you agree. First comment:
“He can’t find the plate.”
I know the feeling, don’t you? And I’m not even a pitcher. How many times have you simply not been able to find the plate no matter how hard you try? You miss the strike zone in every relationship, in every situation, with every effort. Those dreaded words echo in our mid and heart…”Your out!” Yet God is always there to show us another safer way.
Back to the baseball chatter:
“He just hit the warning track.”
I happen to believe, as we hit the warning track, our faith becomes personal. At this point, our Heavenly Father will protect us from head on collisions in life if we have invited Him to play the game with us.
Our announcer is beaming in again giving information about a certain player:
“He holds the bag at first base.”
Only first base? Have you ever felt you have been holding the bag at first, second and third base forever? You may even be lost in the lonely outfield. As we hold on our bases everyone is telling us what to do and when to do it. I know there is a squeeze play in baseball. There are also squeeze plays in life. In fact, sometimes I feel like I have been squeezed out. Do you?
This is when I am very careful to pay attention to only God’s voice. His is the voice of authority.
It’s the ninth inning and we hear:
“That was his twentieth error of the year.”
Only twenty? I must have made twenty just today. At this point frustration could topple us over and fling us down. Yet, it’s okay.
As we experience true frustration, we usually come away expressionless. It is then we get in the mindset to listen to God through His position of protection.
As the game progresses you may think, “ I’m not ready or sufficient for this. It’s definitely not a fun experience.”
When these thoughts enter your mind, it is sign you have come to the realization your sufficiency is of God and in Him alone. It is by His rules you succeed in this game.
My relationship with God is the only addiction I want and need when I hear the words, “Play Ball! Batter Up!”
I feel safe, knowing He polices and protects me as I step up to the plate.
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system - although I did wonder where you were going for a few sentences!! :-)