Partners in Parenting

Who You Align Yourself with Really Matters! 

This summer, I attended a Detroit Tigers baseball game at Comerica Park.  The Tigers were playing the Texas Rangers, and I was enjoying the game sitting next to my son, Evan, on my right.  Now on my left was a nice young family with their son, Ryan, sitting right next to me.  We were sitting right behind the Texas Rangers dugout.  At the end of every inning, the Rangers would come off the field after the third out against the Tigers.  Typically, the Rangers’ shortstop, Elvis Andrus, would carry the baseball off the field, and he would select a fan to give a game ball.  Now Ryan, (who is sitting on my left), would disappear from his seat at the end of every inning in hopes that Elvis Andrus would give him a game ball. 

BUT, Ryan did an incredible thing…he took off his Detroit Tiger hat and put on a blue hat with a big “T” in front (just like the Texas Rangers’ hat) before going down to ask Elvis Andrus for a baseball.  I believe it was in the 5^th inning, Elvis Andrus points at Ryan over the roof of the dugout and throws him a baseball.  My son, Evan, and I watched this all happen.  We watched Ryan come running back to his seat all smiles about getting a baseball.  Then we watched Ryan pull off his blue hat with a T on the front, and quickly, he replaced it with his Detroit Tigers hat again.

Two things came to mind:

1. Man, that kid is smart!
2. Elvis, you’ve just been fooled!

Ryan aligned himself with the Texas Rangers to get the benefit of a baseball from a Major League game.

This reminded me of how important it is to remember, as Christians, that we have aligned ourselves with Christ through faith in Him.  Since we are aligned, or united, with Him, we will receive the benefits He provides.  Paul puts it this way in the book of Romans:

“If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.”  Romans 6:5

We have been united with Christ through faith, so we will get the blessing of everlasting life someday.  Turns out, Ryan was pretty smart to align himself with someone that who could provide him with something very important.  I don’t have a baseball, but I do have eternal life coming someday!

 

Family Discussion Points!

Parents, ever trick someone or play a prank?  Tell your kids about it.

Is it important to you to align yourself with good people in your life?  Every family member answer that question starting with the oldest person in the family and explain why!

Talk about temporary great things we want and eternity in heaven.

Everyone share which baseball team is their favorite!