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The Pinecone
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October 2015
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f r om Don J oh n s on , K i r b y P i n e s Chap l a i n
Chaplain’s COrner
Babe Ruth, the phenomenal baseball
giant of the early twentieth century,
had remarkable accomplishments. Two
time All-Star selection, seven time
World Series champion, member of
Major League Baseball’s All Century
Team, voted Athlete of the Century by
the Associated Press, named Greatest
Baseball Player of the 20th Century by
Sports Illustrated. But he was not always
in the winning circle. He actually struck
out twice as many times as he hit his
crowd-rousing home runs. Near the end
of his career the Braves were playing
the Reds in Cincinnati. This day he
was no hero. Often fumbling the ball
and throwing badly, his errors were
responsible for most of the five runs
scored by Cincinnati.
As “the Babe” walked off the field
heading toward the dugout after the
third out, a crescendo of angry cries
and boos rose to greet him. Then a boy
jumped over the railing and ran onto
the field. Tears were flowing down the
boy’s face as he threw his arms around
the legs of his “hero.”
Without hesitating a second, Babe Ruth
picked the boy up and hugged him. Then
he sat down and patted his head. The
cries from the crowd abruptly stopped
and a hush fell over the ballpark. Those
in the stands saw two heroes on the
field that day! Babe Ruth, who in spite
of his own dismal day in playing the
game, accepted unexpected love from a
fan; and a small boy who cared about
another’s feelings, especially those of
his “hero.”
The Hero
This story gives us two
examples
to
follow.
We are sometimes like
Babe Ruth. We fail more
than we succeed. Our
strikeouts often double our
home runs. Too much we
contribute to the success
of those opposing us. Our
errors account for the
accomplishments of those
against us. When we fail to
keep the standards put upon
us the reaction is loud and
bitter. The response may be
deeply negative.
In the midst of our failures
not everyone boos. Some still hold us up
as a “hero.” Some share our brokenness
and wrap us in their arms of acceptance
and love. Some value us even when we
are at our lowest. Look up into the face
of anyone who expresses such caring
and understanding.
And there’s the example of the young
boy. Around us are those, including
our “heroes,” who need an act of
understanding acceptance. We can’t be
overwhelmed or paralyzed by reaction
of others. Let’s jump onto the field
where they are struggling. A smile, an
embrace, a tear may be all that is needed
to get them through the difficulty.
And, like Babe Ruth, we should
welcome those who look favorably upon
us. Their actions can hush the noise and
silence the opposition. They need our
hugs and attention and appreciation.
Look at the wonderful challenge of
II Corinthians 1:3-4, the “God of
all comfort, who comforts us in our
tribulations, that we may be able to
comfort those who are in any trouble,
with the comfort with which we
ourselves are comforted by God.” And
also I Corinthians 15:58, “Be steadfast,
immovable, always abounding in the
work of the Lord, knowing that your
labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
And it’s been said, “No matter your
performance on the playing field of life
today, the Lord has a hug awaiting for
you at the day’s end. He is your Number
One Fan.”*
*God’s Little Devotional Book,
page 221
Till next time,
Don Johnson, Kirby Pines Chaplain
October 29th
Rev. Dr. Wm. White
Lord of Life
Lutheran
October 8th
Rev. Dennis Neeman
Dir. Pastoral Carey Ed.
Wesley Senior Ministries
October 15th
Steve Williford
White Station
Church of Christ
October 22nd
Luke Saunders
Student Pastor
Orchard Fellowship
October Vesper Services
•
6:30pm
•
Performing Arts Center
October 1st
Rev. William Spink
River Oaks Reformed
Presbyterian