The EvENT...

This past weekend I had the opportunity to attend another Cardinal baseball game with a good friend. It was a wonderful evening…the Cards won, the weather was great, I was with someone that I enjoy spending time with (and don’t get to see enough these days). The experience also provided a moment that I have thought about quite a bit this week.

Around the 7th inning, the people on the other side of the stadium must have decided that things were a little boring. How do I know this? Well, because it was about that time that something began to happen over there that would impact everyone in the stadium. It began as just a few people. Then things slowly overtook the entire section. Slowly, things began to gain momentum until everyone in the stadium was involved in, entertained by, or irritated by what was happening. What is this remarkable event? The Wave.

What I find fascinating is that while the wave can be so enjoyed or so strongly disliked – the guys sitting behind us at the game immediately went into a “What, are we back in the 80’s?” diatribe during which they made it very clear how much they hated the activity – it is a contagious event that ultimately captivates almost everyone. How can people so blindly follow and participate in an activity that, literally, leads nowhere and accomplishes nothing?

Ahh, there it is. That provides the context for what I have been thinking about since my weekend encounter with such a time honored sporting event phenomenon. How can people blindly follow and participate in an activity that, literally, leads nowhere and accomplishes nothing? This question has caused me to again reflect on what my life means and what it is being used to accomplish. Am I willing to consider the plans that God has for me (especially those that go against my own ideas, desires, or personal comfort), or am I simply giving “lip service” to the God who created me, has redeemed me, and has prepared in advance good works for me to accomplish?

I’d like to challenge you to consider these questions with me. Honestly look at you life and see what you are following. What is it that “marks” your life? What are you willing to give for the God who gave everything for you?

*By the way, while I found it interesting, I did not participate in the wave…