Who really knows who the outfielders are for the Braves? Or the linebackers for any team?
Well I am sure there are true hard core music and sports aficionados out there that do, but the majority of people don't have a clue.
As a mom you get asked ALOT 'what position does your child play?' Response from me-'outfield'.
That is always met with a polite smile but it ends the conversation.
But listen and watch - and I am SO guilty, too, 'first base' , 'pitcher', 'catcher' - those are met with really? Then stats are discussed and more animated conversation ensues.
I imagine that is the same with the mom of someone famous- like Michael Jackson's mom vs. the mom of the unknown backup singer.
The pride factor just tends to be different with the 'star'.
But as I sit here watching my child being trained to play second base I think, 'woohoo! Second base! Way to go, Tate'. Then I think, 'wow, if it weren't for the outfielders that ball would never have gotten in.' Similar to back up singers - yes, there are those that need no backup singers, but, WOW! The music is so much richer thanks to the additional voices and ranges.
The same is true in life. There are those called to be in the spotlight, on the stage or at the podium- the CEO's of businesses and leaders of congregations. Then there are those called to be the 'back up- or outfielders'. Those are the ones we sometimes see, might hear about, but are never the main focus. They are the ones that add life to our life through physical, spiritual, and emotional support to those in the spotlight. They are the ones that take up the slack in the homes, the workplace - the detail people and prayer warriors. Not always seen, but if we tried to function without them life would be a little flat - more difficult to keep up with all that is thrown our way - or even less protected from the 'nonsense' satan attempts to trip us up with.
Sometimes the world tells us 'they aren't as important', but oh how they are!
I am embarrassed to say I am part of 'the world' in this sense. MUCH more excited to say, 'he plays second' than, 'right field'.
But, I don't just think that where my child is concerned - my flesh is not so discerning- I totally fall into this same trap where I am concerned.
It sounds better to those I come in contact with to say, 'domestic engineer' or 'CEO of House of Knights' than 'mom' or 'homemaker'. Right?
We believe degrees and spotlight are more important than the dishwasher or janitor, or woman that answers the phone at the doctors office or bank.
Oh how so very wrong we are.
Chaos would ensue without the outfielders.
But, we spend thousands for those degrees- bigger degrees could mean better job with more money and more prestige.
We spend even more paying others to be our 'outfielders' and 'lineman'. If not in money, then in time away from those closest to us- 'cause they understand', 'they know this will get us more! More money, more stuff - even more stuff to do good for others, so that CAN'T be wrong. Right?'
In my recent study of the book of Nehemiah, it has been brought to my attention multiple times that satan uses ANYTHING to distract us. He uses 'good' things, he uses our insecurities, he uses our pride, he uses pretty much anything we see as important in life to try and distract us from God's design on our life. Seriously- he will use anything - family, friends, finances, health issues, etc.
But, Nehemiah has so very much been used to drive home with me the power in prayer.
That is such a 'church' phrase - thrown about so easily- but never more real to me than in the past four years - and God is taking the time right now, once again, to sit me down and show me again - (because I tend to be easily shoved into the ditch of disbelief), that Matthew 6:33- the verse God spoke so clearly to me on July 9, 2011, is and was the truth - 'seek- pray - ask - go to- Him (God, Jesus, Son of God) and ALL these things will be added unto you.'
Pray first. Realign myself with God. What has He called me to? Have I been distracted? Are my goals His goals? Have I asked Him if He even wants me on second base, or the pitcher's mound- more fame, better sounding/paying job, more money. OR..... Did I take off without Him full of pride in the thought of where I COULD be - and WHO I would be- in the eyes of those around me? Only to find myself overwhelmed, exhausted, in bondage covered in anxiety and stress?
So, although my son has been called to move up to second base, it is still so important to help him remember the outfield. And as I stand for this season in the 'outfield' I rest in the knowledge that I am exactly where God needs and wants me, and I am learning so very much as I support the infield players in my life, in my home, in my work, and in my church.
So thankful for this beautiful view from the outfield!
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