Guest Writer Monday: Savannah!

It is guest writer time for you guys! This week is Savannah! Since my double wide is parked at the baseball fields these days, I loved the analogy!

My husband's church-league softball team won their game tonight. There were whoops of joy and there were shouts of jubilation! While this may seem cause for an excessive celebration penalty, there was a reason all of the softball wives and church member cheerleaders were so excited; this is the first game they've won all season.

Our team had played each game valiantly, but had been defeated six times in a row. With every new mark in the L column, the men would sulk, then rally and pat each other's backs saying, "Next time, boys!"

They finally got their next time.

It struck me tonight after the game that the team's season had closely resembled many of our daily Christian walks in faith. We play hard, we are dedicated to Christ as players to their sport, but we are often defeated; by addictions, arrogance, adultery, anger, adversity or even apathy. And yet, there is always a "next time." We are forgiven freely. Our gracious Lord's mercies are renewed daily. Our sins have been accounted for and are atoned. We are given, not a 4-balls-and-a-walk to base, but a homerun. Because Jesus (oh please forgive me, the sports metaphors won't quit) took one for the team, we have been redeemed.

Being a Christian is not a guaranteed day at the park, in fact, it is pretty much an open invitation to struggles and strife. But believers in Christ have a unique hope, and have been given a unique gift- one that is available to any player willing to join the team (make the sports analogies end!). While we may suffer defeat on earth, sometimes even on a daily basis, we know that we are storing up treasures in Heaven, and that is one big eternal Win.

(I am tempted to end this post with "PLAY BALL!!" but I'll spare you.)