People talk about connection often when it comes to churches. I feel connected, I don’t feel connected, how can others? Most of the people around you are searching for connection as much as you are. Most of the people around you are waiting for someone or something to connect them just like you.
Connection will not happen without someone taking initiative and if you always wait for someone else to make that happen, you are often going to find yourself alone. Relationships require risk and it’s worth it.
Yesterday I saw the perfect example of what we talked about this past Sunday. In our conversation at Hoboken Grace, we discussed the times in our lives when we see where our path is taking us. We see the danger ahead yet we just keep going. God explains it this way in Proverbs. The prudent see danger and take refuge. The simple keep going and suffer harm. Simply put, the wise change direction when they see that their choices are leading them to danger. The simple keep making the same choices.
It’s just easier to keep going because taking refuge requires action. It often requires sacrifice. It often involves embarrassment. It’s not easy, but in the end, it always results in RELIEF.
That is exactly what we saw this week in the life of Josh Hamilton. Josh is an outfielder for the Texas Rangers. This week his team clinched a playoff berth resulting in a celebration after the game in the locker room. It’s a celebration that players live for—a celebration of everything they’ve worked for all year. The champagne was flowing, the cheers were loud, the locker room was packed. It was awesome, but Josh wasn’t there. He was in the trainer’s room by himself.
You see Josh is a recovering addict. And Josh knows where that path will take him so he took action. It required sacrifice. I’m sure it was embarrassing to explain why he was going to miss the party but make no mistake, Josh proved on that day that he was exceptionally wise.
Here’s to you, Josh Hamilton. I’m sure you’ve already experienced this, but this is the path to relief. This is the path to the life that is truly life!
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