The Major League baseball season is in “full swing” these days. Your favorite team may be doing well or struggling to win it’s first games. But the season is still young and there’s a lot of games to play before the Pennant races start heating up.
We have made the occasional visits to the Major League Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, over the years. Visiting such a shrine to our national pastime gives one pause to consider: not all ball players will ever be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Even some that do, make it in only on the strength of their longevity and dependability. Some of us ‘old-timers’ will remember pitcher Don Sutton, for example.
For an extraordinary pitcher, he performed few extraordinary feats. He was no mega-superstar by today’s standards. He enjoyed no million-dollar salaries or corporate endorsements. Though a veteran of 21 seasons, only once did he win more than 20 games. He never pitched a no-hitter and only once did he lead the league in any category (2.21 ERA in 1980). Yet on June 21, 1986, Don Sutton rubbed elbows with the true legends of baseball, becoming only the 13th pitcher to win 300 games.
His own analysis of his success is worth noting. “A grinder and a mechanic,” is what he called himself. “I never considered myself flamboyant or exceptional. But all my life I’ve found a way to get the job done.” And get it done he did.
Through two decades, six presidential terms, and four trades, he consistently did what pitchers are supposed to do: win games. With tunnel vision devotion, he spent 21 seasons redefining greatness. He has been called the “family sedan” of baseball’s men on the mound.
God isn’t looking for All-Stars who can only make the “big plays” in flashy style. God is looking instead for people who are dependable and faithful . . . good folks who work consistently to ‘get the job done.’
I want to express thanks and extend appreciation to many who have been working countless hours getting the jobs done around the church this year. From choristers to handbell ringers; for worship planners and Sunday school teachers; for office volunteers and food providers. For all who labor so diligently and faithfully that this family of faith may grow and nurture each other. There may never be a Hall of Fame for those who work in building God’s kingdom here on earth, for “fame” is not our goal or objective. Christ’s ministry and mission in the world are what drive us to work and worship together.
May we continue to do so in Christ’s spirit and name,
