(Barry Bonds is right in the middle of that picture, but this post has nothing to do with PEDs.)
I love the MLB All Star Game. Loved it ever since I can remember. Best part of the game? Player introductions. Whether it’s seeing Pujols or Jeter out there year after year, or those who sneak in once and probably never will again (Mark Redman?), I love the fact that all these talented athletes come together in their different uniforms to play for one night as a team.
We did another Coaches Academy last weekend, this time mostly with Coaches from the KC Area. It was incredible to sit in a room with such an amazing collection of men and women who are great coaches, great winners on the field/court, and who also recognize the opportunity to leave an eternal imprint on the lives they impact each day. The Coaches came wearing hats and shirts from Blue Valley HS, UMKC, Odessa HS, Olathe NW HS, and many more. The first thought I had when I looked around the room was, ‘this is an all-star team’. All these different uniforms, but one team. That’s kind of become a new motto of mine as it pertains to the Coaches we serve…many uniforms, one team. Maybe a subtle rip-off of the one body/many parts analogy Paul made long ago. Anyway, I’m going with it.
Over those three afternoons, we covered a number of topics, but in some ways it boils down to these. If Jesus is at the center of everything we do, if we trust that our lives can really be lived for His glory, then the way we view ourselves and interact with the people in our lives takes on a significance and a joy that is found nowhere else. If we are willing to accept the great invitation that Jesus offers in Matthew 11 to take His yoke upon us, and embark on the journey of discovering what that looks like for us personally……man, it really doesn’t get better than that. In addition to having a chance to meet many new teammates, which is hugely significant, that all-star team of Coaches had a chance to hear and process that message last week. That is tremendous stuff.
80’s Lyric
So lift your eyes if you feel you can
Reach for a star and I’ll show you a plan.