Community Costs

Our boys have played their two best games of the season this weekend!! I could not be prouder of them. Not because we are winning or because of "clutch plays" but because of the way that they have come together as a team.

There have been many grown-up "achievements" that these 10 year old boys have demonstrated this weekend. And I will fill you in more Monday when I can sit down and decompress from the weekend.

Just to give you an idea of how much time, effort and energy goes into one of these tournaments here is our schedule. We played Friday night at 8:50pm, today at 2:30pm and then we start tomorrow at 9:00am.

The tournament is an hour and 30 minutes from the house and we are there at least 1 hour before game time. It will take four games to win the championship tomorrow.

Every now and then I hear people talk about the expenses related to youth baseball. And they are absolutely founded in the fact that travel ball is expensive. So much so, that when I lost the team bag for a couple of days, I realized that there was over $1,000 in 3 bats and catchers gear.

Fortunately, the bag was taken by mistake and later returned.

The funny thing is that most of my kids have more money in their equipment bag than I had in my '77 Celica GT that I bought when I was in the minor leagues for $375. One window didn't roll up and the other window didn't roll down. But it didn't really matter because only the driver's door opened. However, it did have a racing inspired wooden steering wheel and it cranked every day! Looking back I kind of miss that car.

What's the Return on Investment?

Something has been lost in our email, voice mail, texting, blogging world (blogging's not so bad). But this afternoon after the game we cooked out as a team. Nothing fancy just good ole southern tailgating. The boys played and the parents talked and we all ate.

We experienced "community" firsthand today. I would suggest that one's level of influence or affluence does not determine your wealth but it is the depth of community you are able to share with others that defines your life's value.

I certainly don't consider it time or money spent rather invested. And in today's world is there a better investment than kids, families and baseball?

Investing so much time, effort and money to participate in travel baseball gives us an excuse to share  life  with other people. Baseball gives us a reason to sit together (for two hours at a time), talk to one another, rally together, help each other through common struggles and celebrate "wins" with each other.

Is it always perfect? Of course not! We are humans. But it is always worth it.

And today Life is Good!


The Greatest Story Ever Told Through the Greatest Game Ever Played

Life is Good when circumstances are good. But I also believe that God is always good! As we move into the Resurrection Sunday time of the year, I can't help but realize a little better why God would send his only Son to die for my sins.

Even if you have never been to a church in your life, you probably have seen John 3:16. You may have seen it posted on a highway sign or at least the guy in the end zone holding up the yellow poster board. But a key scripture that you may have missed (due to religion) is John 3:17.

Jesus did not come to condemn the world he came to save the world.

The reason He paid such a high price (investment) is that He wants to have "community" with me and with you.

It costs my family a lot for "community" and travel baseball. But I would spend every dime again if I had it to do over.

God Spent infinitely more than I could ever imagine to have community with me and with you. And the fact that I know he would do it all over again allows me to say  that God is good all the time (regardless of circumstances)!! And that life is good because God is good.

If you don't have a church to go to this Resurrection Season, then I invite you to my church, Journey Church.