Slideshow image

Dear Shiloh Family,

All they wanted was a foul ball. There would be no tears shed if their team lost; in fact, they probably couldn’t have told you the name of one player on either team. Brady and Jace wanted a souvenir game ball for their collection.

We had been given tickets to a Chattanooga Lookouts game complete with First Bank Club seats. For those who might not be baseball enthusiasts, that means air conditioning, peaceful atmosphere, and food readily available at our disposal (disposal being the definitive word) …Poppy’s dream. However, there was one barrier, literally. In the booth, there was a protective plexiglass wall separating the fans from the field. The boys wanted nothing of it. The older one was reminding us of the impossibility of capturing a treasure on the inside, while the younger giggled and explained in great detail what it would look like if a baseball shattered the glass. Needless to say, we spent the bulk of the game outside.

We had some close calls and near misses, but it was the 9th inning and still no prized possession. Our small entourage had relocated to a strategic position just beside the home team dugout. Each time the ball boy tossed a used ball into the practice ball bucket, the boys would eyeball it as if it were a gold nugget. An observant attendant struck up a conversation with Bradley and hinted that he might be able to assist with our dilemma. The boys had spied the mobile camera and were focused on getting on the big screen. While they were away, attendant Mike tossed us a discarded game ball. Like in the commercial, the exuberant joy on Jace’s face was priceless.

I was so proud of his older cousin for the manner in which he handled the other’s newfound joy. He was so proud for his companion, but he was really the one who desperately desired a ball. He hid his disappointment well.

He moved close to the rail in anticipation. Could there be one more miracle? All hope seemed lost; it was the bottom of the 9th, two outs, and two strikes on the batter. Just before the last pitch, our new friend casually strolled by, looked up at Brady, grinned, and tossed a pearl just within reach of the little guy wearing his baseball glove. The future superstar didn’t miss.

What a day! We came to the game with nothing but expectations. The boys left with a new bat, a souvenir baseball, and a full stomach - blessings they had no idea was coming.

There was a lady named Ruth in the Bible. Her story began with her as a new bride in her homeland. She was soon found as a widow in a strange land gleaning scraps behind grain harvesters. However, she was noticed by Boaz, the owner of the field. He instructed the workers to intentionally drop extra grain for her and her family. Eventually, the desperate lady was brought into his family as his bride. She came empty, but found unexpected blessings.

Ruth 2:15-16: 15 And when she rose up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, "Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. 16 Also let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her; leave it that she may glean, and do not rebuke her." NKJV

I’m so glad the Holy Spirit noticed me and called me into His family when I was barren and empty. In fact, the Lord still drops “handfuls on purpose” at various times. In the best of times, and even in our darkest hours, the good, good, Father bestows upon us blessings that we are not expecting nor deserve. What a great God He is! Take time to praise Him today.

Don’t forget to pray for our youth while they are on retreat next week. And, oh yes, thank Him for blessing us with Godly, faithful youth workers and staff. 

Human beliefs do not determine heavenly blessings.