“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” — John 14:6
The Real Deal
If you could wear baseball cleats with diapers it would have been done in our household. It seems from the time my boys could walk, their little feet made their way onto a baseball field. I have a vivid recollection of the tee-ball days and still question if we, as parents, were truly of sound mind back then. This is yet another example of our great need for a Shepherd — parents and kids alike. We were all a bit dazed and confused on the base path.
Now that the guys are a bit older and little league days are a glimpse of the past, I’ve gained sight of some common threads over the years. For us, being part of a baseball team was as normal an occurrence as being in the next grade level in school. First, third and fifth grade fell in perfect sync with tee-ball, coach-pitch and kid-pitch. Don’t all families think this way?
Throughout the season we would discuss team successes and stats, and we’d frequently refer to certain players as “the real deal.” I loved the fact that my boys recognized and gravitated toward those they viewed as fitting this description. In watching this occur often over the years, it proved to be of great benefit. I watched as my boys’ skills and fundamentals improved with a solid work ethic developing as well. There is much to be said for yoking oneself to those who are focused on the prize. Not only do you learn discipline and direction to propel forward, you also position yourself to build invaluable, life-long relationships.
In a way, this is a small glimpse of the wonderful gift we have in yoking ourselves to the ultimate “Real Deal” — Jesus Christ. Matthew 11:29 tells us, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me…” He is waiting. Your warm-up partner for life.
Do you recognize Him? When you prepare for the game of life, do you seek His company? His Word provides fundamentals, direction and the character-building guidance necessary for becoming the team player we all long to be.
When you walk onto (that field) tomorrow, who will it be? We all choose. Will it be “The Real Deal?”
— Melissa Klein
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