Something's Missing ...
Stories
Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit
Series II Cycle B
When Todd was four years old, he loved to play T-ball. In elementary school, he looked forward to Little League games more than anything else. When Todd was in high school, all he wanted was to excel at baseball.
After school, the team would practice: stretching, running, throwing, and sprinting for hours. After practice, Todd and a few others would stay and continue throwing and hitting. Saturdays would start early in the morning with a long run and practice at 8 a.m. Even Todd's girlfriend became accustomed to being dropped off after a date long before midnight. Todd had to be well rested. Todd lived for baseball and he lived to win.
Todd played well in high school and, by his senior year, a major college welcomed him with a full scholarship. He did very well. Before his senior year in college was finished, a minor league team had signed him on. He married knowing his future was secure. When children began to come years later, he was able to provide for them well materially. Todd had everything he wanted: baseball, a contract, a beautiful family, and success.
His baseball career went well for many years, accounting for much of the success of the team. His house had a room full of awards, trophies, and ribbons. Photos of Todd and other famous players lined the walls. The one with a popular actress was signed with a kiss. Even though he was away from home more than he liked, Todd felt he had everything he ever wanted.
But Todd was restless. And he was not satisfied. He spent many hours sitting in front of the picture window outside his manager's office, looking out into space, daydreaming about nothing in particular. Todd's batting average began to drop. His throws were a bit off. And his vigor started to diminish. He was in a slump.
Todd quit the team before he was fired, stating he needed rest. Friends offered the use of a cabin and Todd and his family stayed for three months, spending long hours fishing, swimming, and hiking. He remembered how to laugh. The family remembered how to be a family again.
The vacation ended and Todd made a decision: he took a job as a manager for a small-town baseball team. He wanted peace and quiet in his life. He wanted to enjoy his children and wife. He wanted to feel that he was worth something to others.
Todd's family settled in a house in the country outside the small town. Sunsets were compared and food was grown in a garden. Todd felt as if he was regaining a sense of satisfaction but something was still missing.
One night, the local pastor came around to see Todd and remind him of the upcoming church rally. Could Todd sign photographs and be on hand to help run things? The pastor smiled as he left, holding under his arm an autographed photo of Todd in a baseball uniform.
The night of the rally came. A local band played gospel music and the crowd got situated under the huge tent. The visiting preacher was introduced and he began to speak. He spoke about Jesus, about miracles, and about parables. He spoke about an empty place that Jesus had filled in his life. And he spoke about the difference there was now that he was committed to living a Christian life.
The speaker was eloquent, funny, and serious. He didn't use theatrics, just simple, straight talk about his relationship with Jesus. He told it like it was.
Todd wasn't used to that sort of talk. He looked around, nervous. He wasn't sure he wanted to be seen there, listening to this man. But Todd sensed the honesty of the man's words and he couldn't help but listen. Todd listened intently.
Todd's life changed that night 23 years ago. He remembers the feeling he had. He recalls knowing how truthful the man's words were and how much Todd identified with them. And he remembers realizing he wanted that feeling for himself.
Todd's routine included daily prayer and study. He felt better able to make important decisions after extensive prayer. He felt better able to be the man God wanted him to be. And Todd was finally able to say he had everything he wanted: a successful career, a beautiful family, and a close relationship with Jesus.
After school, the team would practice: stretching, running, throwing, and sprinting for hours. After practice, Todd and a few others would stay and continue throwing and hitting. Saturdays would start early in the morning with a long run and practice at 8 a.m. Even Todd's girlfriend became accustomed to being dropped off after a date long before midnight. Todd had to be well rested. Todd lived for baseball and he lived to win.
Todd played well in high school and, by his senior year, a major college welcomed him with a full scholarship. He did very well. Before his senior year in college was finished, a minor league team had signed him on. He married knowing his future was secure. When children began to come years later, he was able to provide for them well materially. Todd had everything he wanted: baseball, a contract, a beautiful family, and success.
His baseball career went well for many years, accounting for much of the success of the team. His house had a room full of awards, trophies, and ribbons. Photos of Todd and other famous players lined the walls. The one with a popular actress was signed with a kiss. Even though he was away from home more than he liked, Todd felt he had everything he ever wanted.
But Todd was restless. And he was not satisfied. He spent many hours sitting in front of the picture window outside his manager's office, looking out into space, daydreaming about nothing in particular. Todd's batting average began to drop. His throws were a bit off. And his vigor started to diminish. He was in a slump.
Todd quit the team before he was fired, stating he needed rest. Friends offered the use of a cabin and Todd and his family stayed for three months, spending long hours fishing, swimming, and hiking. He remembered how to laugh. The family remembered how to be a family again.
The vacation ended and Todd made a decision: he took a job as a manager for a small-town baseball team. He wanted peace and quiet in his life. He wanted to enjoy his children and wife. He wanted to feel that he was worth something to others.
Todd's family settled in a house in the country outside the small town. Sunsets were compared and food was grown in a garden. Todd felt as if he was regaining a sense of satisfaction but something was still missing.
One night, the local pastor came around to see Todd and remind him of the upcoming church rally. Could Todd sign photographs and be on hand to help run things? The pastor smiled as he left, holding under his arm an autographed photo of Todd in a baseball uniform.
The night of the rally came. A local band played gospel music and the crowd got situated under the huge tent. The visiting preacher was introduced and he began to speak. He spoke about Jesus, about miracles, and about parables. He spoke about an empty place that Jesus had filled in his life. And he spoke about the difference there was now that he was committed to living a Christian life.
The speaker was eloquent, funny, and serious. He didn't use theatrics, just simple, straight talk about his relationship with Jesus. He told it like it was.
Todd wasn't used to that sort of talk. He looked around, nervous. He wasn't sure he wanted to be seen there, listening to this man. But Todd sensed the honesty of the man's words and he couldn't help but listen. Todd listened intently.
Todd's life changed that night 23 years ago. He remembers the feeling he had. He recalls knowing how truthful the man's words were and how much Todd identified with them. And he remembers realizing he wanted that feeling for himself.
Todd's routine included daily prayer and study. He felt better able to make important decisions after extensive prayer. He felt better able to be the man God wanted him to be. And Todd was finally able to say he had everything he wanted: a successful career, a beautiful family, and a close relationship with Jesus.
