Baseball & Kids

Jesus said, "Let the children come to me for to such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 19:14)

I was reminded of this truth at a recent San Francisco Giant's baseball game.

The church organized a group to attend the August 26 game against the Houston Astros.  Group tickets are inexpensive but notoriously "less than prime".  We were seated in Section 331, Upper View Box, way down the left field foul pole.  In order to see home plate the only view possible was to turn 45 degrees in one's seat.  Never-the-less, it was still fun to sit with 40 church friends, root for the home team and tell the stories of games past.

Anyone in the Bay Area with a modicum of interest in the Giants must know that they have struggled mightily since the All Star break in mid-July.   Victories have been few and far between.  Injuries to their All Star players have been devastating.  I came to the game with an attitude of fatalistic cynicism about that evening's game, determined not to let the current disappointments take away from the glow of last year's World Series.

I was fortunate to sit next to Kevin, 10 years old, son of a friend and colleague.  Kevin plays catcher in Little League.   He is an exuberant baseball fan, cheering for every player.  He was very knowledgeable, funny and totally into the game.  He told me about some of his experiences in Little League.  I told him some of mine.  By the end of the game we were clapping together in the rhythms prompted by the organ music, shouting and yelling as the Giants won 2-1.

I really enjoyed sitting next to this kid!  He reminded me of why baseball is so fun.  And I needed that reminder with the way things are going for my team this year.

We tend to romanticize children as if all enjoy an idyllic life of innocence.  The reality for all-too-many kids is anything but that.  Even those children born in privilege face all the challenges life can bring.     

Jesus illustrates that pride can be an obstacle to faith when he contrasts the lack of hubris in children compared to his adult disciples.  It’s not that children are perfect.  In their vulnerability children need to trust and follow the one who offers authentic loving kindness in order to survive, to thrive.  One such source can be God, as Jesus welcomes the children into his embrace. (Mark 10:13-16)   It is a blessing indeed when that love is found in one's parents, family, teachers, neighbors and friends.    Without such warm and loving arms, a child's life is difficult if not destined to be tragic.

I have no idea what Kevin has faced in life or what his challenges will be, but that night I met a ten year old with a confident sense of self, a relaxed sense of play and a willingness to share a fun baseball game with a stodgy, aging stranger.  

Children can remind us of life without an adult's conditioned pretense and posturing; being in the moment, unashamed to enjoy.

Is that what Jesus was suggesting about God's loving embrace?

Thanks Kevin!  Go Giants!