The beauty of the recent days – cooler temperatures, a bit of rain to quell the drought, leaves beginning to change color, is beautiful to behold. In my hometown, however, there is an air of disappointment. As football season proceeds onward, for the first time in 8 years, there is no Atlanta Braves baseball. 

The Braves baseball team, beginning March 27, through September 28, played 162 games. I mentioned that the team played that many games. Only ONE of its players played all 162 games, and he did so for the fifth time, and fourth consecutive time – Matt Olson. This is quite a feat, I might add, particularly considering that the team as a whole suffered injuries, trades, players moved down to and up from the minor league, etc. This is normal practice during the course of a season, but this year it seemed excessive for the Braves. There was never a chance for consistent team unity and cohesiveness.

So, for 162 games, plus 30 pre-season games, the players practiced, worked out, and ate and slept strategy and technique. They endured freezing temperatures during the first two months and blistering temperatures during the last three. The players, staff, and support personnel worked in varying conditions of miserable and blissful weather – sleet, rain, scorching sun, and the beautiful bluebird-sky days that they live for with mild temperatures and a slight breeze.

For all major league players, they have reached the pinnacle of their sport. They made it to “The Show”. Well, for the Braves, at least, perhaps a few thoughts run through their heads asking what all of the grind was for. These big leaguers reached their dream of playing professional ball, but there are still heights to achieve. Playoffs, division, and league championships. The Fall Classic. Individual and team records and awards. Some would argue that the franchise was in a season of rough luck, that they neglected the basics of the sport and team-play, or that their house was in disrepair.

I recently had the privilege of riding in a boat on a beautiful lake. During our ride, we saw some gorgeous homes, some cute cabins, and older well-kept homes. The thing that struck me the most was a few of the mansions that were in major disrepair.

It made me think of my relationship with Jesus. He gave His life that I would be saved from the penalty of my sin that would otherwise separate me from His perfect presence. My salvation is the most priceless gift that I could ever receive. It is beyond riches! It is eternal life with Jesus that even includes a mansion!

Once I give my heart and life to Jesus, my eternity is secure with Him. Jesus lays out ways to live my earthly life that bring me abundant joy in this life, as well as rewards in the life to come. But instead of practicing the basics: Bible study, prayer, fellowship with other believers, I often allow this beautiful gift of my relationship with the King of kings to come into disrepair. I neglect tending the relationship intentionally and diligently. Just as a human relationship loses closeness if not nurtured, so too does my relationship with Jesus. Other things distract me and come between me and the One who knows me best and can guide me to what is best for me.

Proverbs 27:23-24a says, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,
    give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever”.

Since my relationship with the Creator of the Universe and the lover of my soul is the most valuable thing in my life, my maintenance of it should be a priority. I live in that relationship, now, AND forever. Spending time with Him, studying His character and instructions for my life, helps me know Him better. Then I can hear His voice, follow His leading, and stay on the path that He has laid out for me. This path leads me straight to the mansion He has prepared for me, where I will live with Him forever! And HIS mansion will be PERFECT!😊