By Pastor Paul Hauschild
Chatfield and Root Prairie
Lutheran Churches
The 1964 Philadelphia Phillies will always be known as the team that suffered one of the greatest collapses in sports history. They let a huge division lead slip away by losing 10 games in a row at the end of the season. Despite the collapse, the Phillies’ season had its share of memorable moments, including a perfect game and ninth-inning home run by a Phillie to win the All-Star Game.
But maybe the most remarkable moment of the entire season occurred after a game, not during it. Clay Dalrymple, a Phillie pitcher, was asked to assist a blind girl who had requested a chance to walk out on the field. Dalrymple took the girl to home plate where she reached down and felt the plate. They walked to first base, second base, and third base before ending up at home plate once again.
While Dalrymple was showing the girl around the bases, he never noticed the fans remaining in the stadium had stopped to watch him and his companion. He just assumed that the silence in the stands meant the fans had gone home. But when the two of them finally reached home plate, the ballpark erupted. Dalrymple was shocked by the applause. When he looked up, he saw thousands of fans giving him a standing ovation.
Later, Dalrymple told a Sports Illustrated reporter, “It was the biggest ovation I ever got.”
Sometimes we forget that our efforts to be Christlike are observed by others – even though we may be unaware that they’re watching. Remember, it’s not the big things that matter, but it’s the right things we do.
Jesus says: “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all of our soul, all of your strength and all of your mind… and love your neighbor as yourself.” Each act and word of compassion and encouragement go a long way in influencing our world for Jesus’ sake.
This Veterans Day has reminded me to keep my eyes open and honor those who have served our nation. We must never forget what they have done. Veterans may say it’s not a big deal, but your community says it’s all the small things you have done that have made our country free and great. We’ve watched, and we stand and applaud you.
God bless your week!