Team

Last week brought a memory that I will not forget. Richard Fitts vs. Luke Whitaker. Helena Huskies vs. Vestavia Rebels. Friend vs. Friend. Leader vs. Leader in a baseball game where both have mega talents and will go on to play college baseball and much, much more.
When I arrived at the stadium, it was a beautiful day for baseball. As I scanned the crowd, it looked like early service at Riverchase Church of Christ scattered across the stadium. I always like sitting behind home plate when one of our boys is pitching. Richard did not disappoint on the mound and neither did Luke on 3rd base.
The final score really wasn’t why I was there. I was there that day as one of Richard and Luke’s biggest fans. They are two of my heroes, because they are family, and they inspire me as I watch them fight for Him. They have been playing baseball for as long as they have been able to walk. They have been committed Christ followers for only a few years.
The picture on the top right tells a much deeper story. After the game, both teams had their meetings. Vestavia finished first and soon went home, but not Luke. He walked down to Helena’s dugout and waited on his buddy. Win or Lose – they were getting their picture together. The support, encouragement, struggles of life, victories, defeats, smiles and tears – they experience together and are committed to this one vow…As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” That is a team worth fighting for.
Dirt on uniforms and icepacks on elbows at the end of the game – that lets you know you have given it your all on the field. Fruit that will last lets Him know that you are giving it your all on and off the field. Thank you, Luke and Richard, for teaching me another great lesson of life. Keep fighting for Him and each other.