“Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.” Romans 15:2

Late in one game during a June 2014 home series with the New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Peter Bourjos drifted back to catch a fly ball near the warning track.

It was the final out of the inning. Then Bourjos, like many outfielders have done before him, ran toward the left center field bleachers, pointed toward a bespectacled little boy on the front row, and tossed him the ball.

The boy was ecstatic! He showed the ball to everyone around him, and displayed a joyful ear to ear grin! Peter had made his day! The boy will probably remember the experience the rest of his life.

Romans 14:19 says “…let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may build up another.” There are many people on our planet, who need encouragement, who need to be built up.

Have you had a chance to make someone’s day? It doesn’t take much. Opening a door for another person, greeting someone who appears discouraged, taking garden vegetables to your neighbors, and other simple things can go a long way. I think it is a combination of a deed done for someone else’s benefit, plus a personal touch.

Let us be alert for opportunities to encourage, and pursue personal ways to do so. We might make someone’s day, build them up, and give them a memory for Jesus’ sake.

This story was published in Sports Spectrum’s most recent Training Table in its latest print issue. Log in HERE to view the issue and read over 50 other devotionals.