I have sitting in my office, two trophies. Trophies that I have had for almost 25 years. One of those trophies is back when I played T-ball in Rosebud on the Rosebud Lumber team. The other is when I played in Rosebud for Mr. BBQ. Those were great times! Since I grew up right accross the road from the baseball fields, baseball was a part of my life. Anytime we had any free time, we went to Burns and Hoelshcer Fields. I was very fortunate to be able to play numerous games of ball on those fields. But those trophies in my room are a reminder of that part of my life. A time when I had no worries, few responsibilities (not compared to today), and just a carefree attitude and passion for playing the game. It did not matter if I actually got to play the exact postition I wanted or if I hit any home runs during a game of derby, because I just wanted to be on the field with my friends.
Another part of my life, I grew up in a church building. This building had been around for 50 years when I was a child. This church had a legacy of faith. The people who made up this church looked out for me. They taught me God's Word. They cried with us when our grandparents had passed away. They threw my parents a 25th Wedding Anniversary. They helped my parents raise my two siblings and myself. And as I write, I look around my office and notice that I don't really have any memorabilia to represent that part of my life. But I don't need any trophies. I have Jesus!! He has shaped who I am. It wasn't the game of baseball that taught me determination, passion for life, or commitment. It wasn't my church that taught me the Word of God or hosted a party for my parents. It was God! It has always been God! It was Him working through those people. It was Him! It was Him who got me involved with FCA in high school. It was Him who guided me to become a youth minister. It was Him working through the game of baseball that taught me those characteristics.
Trophies, who needs trophies?
I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? Psalm 77:11-13
