Generations

“One generation shall laud your works to another.” Psalm 83:13-18

“The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball.” Terrance Mann, Field of Dreams

Baseball, it seems, is almost back. This is true at the Major League level, and I can’t wait to cheer on the Royals to another losing season (uff da). Even better, our boys’ baseball league has plans to start up soon.

Over the last few weeks, Anders has been getting together for pickup games with other kids his age. This has been done in small groups and with good social distancing in place, and it’s been fun to see Anders do something he loves so much.

Torsten has been tagging along, as little brothers are wont to. He has yet to play his first season of t-ball (that’s this year), but we’ve been playing catch while Anders scrimmages. Last night, however, there was a bit of a player shortage. One of the dads asked Torsten if he wanted to play. He was hesitant, but he jumped in and did just fine.

When we were getting on our bikes to go home he looked up and me and asked quietly, “Dad, did I do a good job?” What child doesn’t what their parent’s approval? I looked him in the eye and said, “Buddy, you were awesome out there! Now we know you’re ready for t-ball; you’ve already played baseball!.” Later, I overheard him loudly declare his t-ball-readiness to his mother: “Mom, Dad says I’m ready for t-ball; I mean, I’ve already played baseball!”

A love of the game of baseball is something I hope to pass from one generation to the next, whether the kids are any good at it or not (goodness knows I never was). A love for something can begin, or generate, when it is passed down from parent to child. The things we choose to invest in are the things are children will see and, hopefully, care about as they grow. It is important that we choose the right things about which to care.

All of which is to say that my biggest joy in life is watching our children become who God made them to be and seeing them grow in faith. Maybe they won’t all like baseball or any of the other things I like. They will be their own people. I simply pray that they always know how much God loves them. That’s what I most want to pass on to the next generation. I want them to know, in spite of their future failings and in forgiveness of their sins, that they can to turn to their heavenly Father and hear God say, “Buddy, you were awesome out there!”

Be well, friends. You are loved.

God, the generations rise and fall before you, but you are always there. Increase the faith in our hearts. Inspire us to share your Word with children, that they would know your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: Mighty Torsten at the bat.