True Home

“Home is where the heart is”  Residence occurs in a place built to suit the needs of the family.  Home is familiar, safe, comforting and a place to refuel.  No matter the situations encountered, home remains in place, filled with ones caring about you more than any other person here on Earth.  You are accepted, loved, cared for and wanted.  Your heart overflows with love when surrounded by these people.  I guess the saying is true, huh?

I decided to perform a makeover (not on me, though it may be needed).  The décor of our home just did not fit our growing family.  The place needed updated.  Our desire was to create a comforting, welcoming and fun environment.  To us, baseball fit each requirement perfectly.  Diligently we worked to compile vacation pictures, print, frame and replace the old décor.  Excitement stirred up as I envisioned walking through the door to see beautiful scenes surround the room.  Something about a ball, bat and glove just sends a smile directly to my mouth and warms my heart.  I am a word person. . .in that I mean, I love to hear different sayings or quotes about a particular subject.  A catch phrase or thought of an individual sticks with me and creates the connection.  So, of course, we will place quotes and sayings throughout of players, managers and any involved with baseball.  I could sit all day and just read these quotes.  But, only a few selected will sum up the love we have for the game.  I want the quotes to express our personal experiences and passion concerning the game of baseball, also making a connection to life.  I want our home to tell our story to all who enter.

Care if I share some? 

“Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.”  ~The Great Bambino. . .Life presents trials and tribulations and should we choose to fear failing (getting that third strike), progress can never be gained.  If we fear saying yes to God because the path appears quite curvy, maturing in faith halts.  God provides just the equipment needed to knock it out of the park and then provides strength to continue on the path towards Home!  Trust!

To extend the first quote. . . “Progress always involves risks.  You cannot steal second base and keep your foot on first.”  ~Unknown. . .take that first step into the unknown with full confidence in Him who went before you preparing the way.  He placed each base 90 feet apart, cleared the path of all rocks/weeds, fitted the base on its anchor just so and provides strength to continue on the path towards Home!  Believe!

Continuing on. . . “There are three types of baseball players: those who make it happen, those who watch it happen, and those who wonder what happens.”  ~Tommy Lasorda. . .who do you want to be?  God speaks in His Word about the important task to make disciples of all nations, baptizing in His Name.  In order to fulfill His Will for our lives, we must take the steps to make it happen.  Fans watch the game of baseball, those oblivious to the sport sit back and wonder what is going on with these people holding bats, cheering and running around in the dirt.  But, players get in the game and follow the coach’s plan to win.  Be God’s player, follow His Coaching and receive strength to continue on the path towards Home!  Go!         

Moral of the story. . .it really matters nothing about what I place on the walls of our home.  It does not matter if walls exist at all.  What lies in the heart is what matters.  Our hearts overflow with love the moment we encounter one another.  Life may throw wild pitches, hit us a time or two or even fly right past speeding at 100 MPH.  But, knowing a team exists, led by a perfect Coach, keeps our perseverance strong.  He will lead the way Home, our true Home.  It matters nothing about décor, size or neatness.  He will be there, waiting with open arms to welcome you Home.  He will say the greatest quote of all. . . “Well done, good and faithful servant!” 

Keep your eyes on Home, properly equip yourself each day, take the next step on the path laid out for you and move towards Him.  Should you fall, trip, run out of bounds or even backtrack; fear not, for God is with you, will call to and bring you back to the position He desires at that season in life.  He accepts all – no tryouts, no trades and no letting go of His players.  Place His Truth in your hearts and never forget. . .Home is where the heart is!    

Trust Him, Believe in Him and Go bring others to Him.  Share your heart so others may come to know where our true Home exists.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig