"The Rookie"

I am a life long Christian. I have always believed in God, right from the time I was just a young kid wearing my itchy wool pants to church every Sunday at a wealthy church on Long Island's Gold Coast. We didn't have money, but I loved being in that beautiful church, sitting next to my dad and surrounded by fur coats and the smell of wool and moth balls. 

Much later I got a clear handle on my own faith and accepted the Lord into my life, but I know I had the mark of the cross right from the start And He has NEVER let me down. My prayers are always answered, maybe not exactly the way I ask them, but answered just the same. My faith has added much peace and meaning to my life. This is important in today's world, where steadfast faith in God is more and more viewed as a fool's errand by a "me" centered society.

There is a movie out there called "The Rookie". It was made in 2002 and stars Dennis Quaid. It's a true story about a high school baseball coach who discovers that it is never too late for your dreams to come true. It's a very entertaining film and worth seeing or seeing over if you already have.

There is a special scene in this movie that always makes me weep. Jim Morris (Dennis Quaid) finally realizes his dream and gets to pitch in the major league with the Tampa Bay Rays. As he walks into the stadium to pitch for the first time, people in the stands cheer wildly for him and all of his friends and family are there. At this point I always lose it, as it strikes me that this is exactly what happens when we enter heaven. The people there will be cheering wildly and lovingly for each of us as we enter those pearly gates!

There is a song by Josh Garrells called "Farther Along". In it he says: 

“We’re all cast-aways in need of ropes” 

Jesus is our rope. Joanna and I embraced the Lord years ago when we were called to serve Him. We have spent our lives living up to that calling, and we have learned to rely on Him. In turn, He has blessed our lives together to no end.  Amen! 

The next time "The Rookie" comes on TV, look for that scene at the stadium and think of me!