Eyes, Hands and Feet
Hello Friends,
Recently myself, along with a good friend, took on the responsibility of coaching our sons tee ball team. Most of the players on this team have never played baseball before. That’s right, eleven 4/5 year olds looking to us to teach them how to play. Now, I grew up playing baseball, have coached some, and am a huge baseball fan (go Mariners!), but no amount of experience could prepare me for the energy and creativity it would require to coach these little players.
At the beginning of the season, anytime an opposing player would hit the ball most of the players on our team wouldn’t see what was happening until the ball had already rolled past them and into the outfield. At which time EVERY player regardless of where the ball was hit or what position they were playing on the field, would realize where the ball was and sprint to it and dogpile on top of it (and each other) in an attempt to be the one that comes up with the ball. It was as if all of our tee ball players were suddenly football players and the baseball had turned into a fumbled football.
That next practice we implemented a new strategy to help the team be better prepared. “Eyes, Hands, Feet”
Eyes: Watch the batter and know when and where they are hitting.
Hands: Keep your glove up and in front of you so you are ready to catch the ball when it is hit to you.
Feet: Be ready to move and get that ball.
This simple strategy worked wonders for our tee ball team. It kept them alert and ready, and had them prepared to respond when the time was right. I think these three things will work wonders for us too, and help keep us alert and ready for what God has for us:
Eyes: What are you looking at? Or an even better question, WHO are you looking to? “Keep your eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
Hands: All throughout scripture we read of believers laying their hands on others to pray for them, whether it was Jesus as he healed the sick or the disciples praying for the presence of the Holy Spirit in others, the hands were used symbolically and to make a personal connection in agreement with each other and God. Are your hands ready? Are you ready to pray for others?
Feet: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns” (Isaiah 52:7). Let’s use our feet to deliver the gospel message, the good news!
Have a great rest of your week!
Pastor Jonathan Lewellyn