Daily Devotion - Monday, October 26

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

WOW!! World Series Week and Pastoral Care Week at the same time?
Is it possible to create devotional reflections out of these two events?
Let’s see what the week brings.

“Teach me your way, O Lord. Lead me on a level path.”
--A song from an ancient seeker

Monday: The Phillies Are In The Series AGAIN!

I watched with great interest the other night as the Philadelphia Phillies clinched their berth in this year's World Series. I have some pretty strong Pennsylvania ties and enjoyed traveling to Philly to watch the “sillies”, as they were called at the time. What has happened to this team who, I believe, has lost more games than any team in baseball history (they have been around a long time)? Let me offer an observation.

In the pennant clinching game the Phillies star pitcher was having a pretty shaky outing. The manager of the team took him out of the game earlier than hoped for. Commentators talked about the weakness of the bullpen pitchers and questioned if Philly could win the game. Yet, the relief pitchers each came in and performed their job almost flawlessly. They provided a superb supportive presence for their pitching ace.

This year the theme of Pastoral Care week is “Supportive Presence.” The world is quite torn, fractured by earthquake, tsunami and hurricane disasters; the world is quite chaotic, divided by conflicting political, economic and religious beliefs and values. People are crying out for a supportive presence to help carry them through and bring them some relief. People are longing for a level playing field where supportive presence can guide them toward a better place. It seems that the first half of today’s song has an answer. I can’t help but wonder if we are willing to let our spirits be humbled to the point that we can be taught.

So, as you sit back and let the commentators take you out to the ballgame, allow your spirit to do some work imagining what supportive presence you can bring to those around you. Go Phillies!

Looking forward to a great week.

Prayer: Holy God, fill me with quietness. Amen.

--Ben Keckler
10.26.09