It is a beautiful day. I would almost rather be anywhere but inside. I was thinking this morning about a day like this when I went to my first major league opening game.
We were living in Kansas City. About a week before the first game of the new season, it seemed like everywhere you went in the city, people were talking about the Kansas City Royals and their opening day. It was an afternoon game and many people were taking off work early to go to the game.
I managed to get two tickets and decided to take Christine. She was in the third grade at Nashua Elementary in northern Kansas City. I got to her school about noon and walked into the secretary’s office to check her out for the remainder of the day. I told "Bonnie" that I wanted to take her to the "opener." I remember thinking, "She must think that I am some deadbeat dad, taking his child away from math class to go to a baseball game." Instead she said, "She is your child and you can make these decisions. Just make it a very special day for her. Have fun!"
Off we went! The ballpark was packed. We found our seats and sat there with our cokes and hot dogs, complete with grilled onions and smothered in mustard. George Brett went to plate, raised his bat and the people went wild. What a day!
There is something about opening day that is always special. My team may have been lousy last year (the Rangers…) but today is a new day.
I am so thankful that in Christ there is a sense in which everyday is an opener. I begin the day as a forgiven person–clean and still loved by Him. The day is still fresh and full of hope.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.
His mercies never come to an end.
They are new every morning.
Great is thy faithfulness.
The Lord is my portion says my soul.
Therefore, I will hope in him.
Lamentations 3:22-24