Ben Sinnaeve - Representative of The Lord Jesus

Watching Ben in the last tournament of his young baseball career is bittersweet.  After 5 tournament games of him barely playing because his coaches "picked up" players, on a team that he has paid his dues on all season, my first reaction was righteous anger and frustration.  While his coaches seemingly care more about winning a title, than seeing the importance of committed players- I found myself struggling with worldly pride as well... Not to win a title but to have his coaches acknowledge him and see his value as a team member and a ball player.  I was warring with myself as to whether I should confront them, but held back.

Then in the quiet of observing my son, my baseball player warm up an outfielder, warm up a catcher, sit in the dugout and smile and encourage his teammates on the field, watch "picked up" players go on the field and take positions he has played all season, reach out and engage time and time again others- I was prouder than I'd ever been if he had hit a double and brought in the winning runs or blocked like a beast and threw out a runner.

I was proud because he lives out Christ better than I do in this moment.  I am proud of the man he is at the heart- one who doesn't need accolades, but knows his worth is found in Christ and living like Christ.  

I have appreciated his coaches love for baseball, but cannot help feeling sorry for them that they do not recognize the privilege they have to invest in boys' character as they leave this team.  Baseball will fade away, but who they are in the inside will live on - in them and in their children... And I am so thankful that God blessed me with the privilege of being a mother to five amazing kids who are amazing because of their willingness to be servants when everything in this world urges them to be anything but.

Colossians 3:17. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.