A Servant-Minded Son
Our family had a great time last week on vacation. We didn't really travel anywhere until Friday. I just relaxed around the house and spent more time with Ellen. On Friday, we left for Southaven, MS to play in the Earlybird Classic Baseball Tournament. It really is an awesome place to play baseball. It is a seventeen field complex with games going on most of the fields all weekend long.
One of the highlights of the weekend for me was seeing my son handle a situation that I don't remember ever happening to him. He has played baseball since he was three. He is twelve now. To my remembrance he has never NOT started a ball game. He has started and played most every inning of every ball game he has ever played in. I don't say this to brag, but I tell you this story to make a point.
Brandon has always been a top player in our league. He has a good glove and has always put the ball in play. (Now I'm bragging like a doting father, but bear with me.) On this particular team, however, there are many boys who have taken growth spurts and have surpassed Brandon in size and strength.
On this particular day, the coach started another boy named Jacob. He is a good player too and a good kid. I watched intently to see how Brandon would handle this situation. I was so proud to see him standing on the top step of the dugout cheering the team on. When the inning was over, he "hi-fived" his counterpart and congratulated him on the two good plays he made in the field. I could have never been more proud. That showed a team spirit and a Christian attitude. He gave up his spot to allow someone else to shine and then cheered them on about it. What a sacrifice!
Philippians 2 tells us to have the same mind that Jesus had. It goes on to say that the mind He had was that of a servant and one of sacrifice. Jesus gave up His place with God so that you and I could have a place with Him in heaven. My son could not have displayed this servant spirit any better and I am so proud of him.
One of the highlights of the weekend for me was seeing my son handle a situation that I don't remember ever happening to him. He has played baseball since he was three. He is twelve now. To my remembrance he has never NOT started a ball game. He has started and played most every inning of every ball game he has ever played in. I don't say this to brag, but I tell you this story to make a point.
Brandon has always been a top player in our league. He has a good glove and has always put the ball in play. (Now I'm bragging like a doting father, but bear with me.) On this particular team, however, there are many boys who have taken growth spurts and have surpassed Brandon in size and strength.
On this particular day, the coach started another boy named Jacob. He is a good player too and a good kid. I watched intently to see how Brandon would handle this situation. I was so proud to see him standing on the top step of the dugout cheering the team on. When the inning was over, he "hi-fived" his counterpart and congratulated him on the two good plays he made in the field. I could have never been more proud. That showed a team spirit and a Christian attitude. He gave up his spot to allow someone else to shine and then cheered them on about it. What a sacrifice!
Philippians 2 tells us to have the same mind that Jesus had. It goes on to say that the mind He had was that of a servant and one of sacrifice. Jesus gave up His place with God so that you and I could have a place with Him in heaven. My son could not have displayed this servant spirit any better and I am so proud of him.
posted by Keith Davis at
10:45 PM
3 Comments:
I'm not surprised. Having had a son (or sons) on more baseball teams than I can count at this point, we have come across all types of kids. We have been on teams that I literally couldn't wait to see disband at the end of the season. We have been on teams that we all cried at the last game because the kids were more like my children at that point than my kids' teammates. Brandon is a wonderful boy. He always lets his light shine and usually has a really good attitude. I have seen him be disappointed that he couldn't finish a game because his arm went out or because he was worn out at the end of an extra inning or two. But I don't think I have ever seen him be disrespectful to anyone about it. He has been a wonderful influence on all of my boys and we have really enjoyed playing ball with both of you for 2 seasons. This year is hard for us because it is the first time since the boys were 4 or 5 that they have not put on a cap and cleats in March. But I think they have learned a lot by not being allowed to do it because of grades and attitudes. Thanks for sharing your family with us...you all inspire us to be better people!!!! We love you!!!!
Guess who!! :o)
By
Anonymous, at 9:47 AM
G'day Keith. Congratulations to Brandon on his Christianity. However, please tell him I'm coming over there one day and I will teach him to play cricket. He can be opening batsman for Australia against the Poms (England). Noel (Australia).
By
Anonymous, at 6:17 PM
Way to go Brandon. Also, way to go mom and dad for not griping that your son didn't start. Great example.
Billy
By
Anonymous, at 10:43 AM
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