Grace at Home Plate

Daily Gratitude Year Four-Day 302: Today, I am grateful for grace... so that no one may boast.

Tonight...is  the fourth game of the 2016 World Series. The Indians are 3 Wins to 1 Win for the Cubs. What a tough spot to be in in the middle of the series. 2-2 would feel so much better. 

Baseball is a great place to thing about grace.  There are times that another players error means a base instead of an out. Or, the wind takes an average hit somewhere better. The wind can, also, work against both teams. 

No one is perfect. Everyone has good games and bad.  This World Series has two teams deep in talent and coaching talent. If the Cubs win tonight... the energy will change. It is crazy fun to see so many excited.  Tough games. Good baseball. Every boy on the field is seeing his baseball dreams come true. I love that Cub fans are fans for life. The media highlights have shown this to be evident.  So many people in their 50's and 60's are taking aging parents to the games at Wrigley. It melts my heart.  Win or lose tonight - they accomplished a goal in getting there. My heart longs for a win for the elderly fans who have waited a lifetime. 

The players know each other. They strengths and weaknesses.  The camaraderie at the plate makes me smile. They are brothers of baseball. Your opponent could be your teammate in another season. 

This season - both teams have seen some moments of grace and moments of efforts being rewarded. Sometimes - even the best efforts can end in disappointment. 

This was my scripture of the day: 

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." -Ephesians 2:8-9

This reminds me of the value of grace. Jesus really came with a new message and a new approach. Grace and faith, only. No other way to salvation. Can't earn it. Can't buy it. Salvation can only be obtained through a confession of Christ as savior and Lord, repenting our sins and accepting him as Lord. Simple. One way. No one can boast. 

At the end of the World Series... there will be boasting. Two great teams - but one will win the title. (Oh, I want it to be the Cubbies). 

For believers - I am reminded that works are a reflection of the one we serve - but faith and grace are the ticket to the final home plate... heaven's gate. I am grateful he has covered my mistakes and His grace means live or die... we win. 

Today, I am grateful for grace... so that no one may boast.