Re: Create — The hope of joining
Erick du Toit
May 26, 2021
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Romans 8: 22-25 (NIVUK)
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
I love cricket.
No matter what the format, T20 or Test Cricket, it’s the ultimate summer sport. The sound of leather connecting with willow and the cheer of the crowd as they admire the trajectory of the ball sailing over the boundary.
I know, I know. Many of you will classify this as a private school sport and that it’s boring and exclusive.
However, did you know that in Scotland there are more than 200 cricket clubs participating in a wide variety of competitions? Who would have thought?
So, I did it. I decided to join one of these clubs. Marchmont Cricket Club to be exact.
My hope was that with a spirit of passion and a bit of muscle memory I might be able to fire off a few decent deliveries without embarrassing myself too much.
It’s been more than 15 years since I last picked up a bat and ball. And man, was I nervous!
As I arrived, the lads were friendly and hospitable and eager to see what I could produce.
‘Batter or Bowler?’
‘Fielder,’ I cheekily replied.
What followed was disastrous. All my attempts to hit the stumps were futile. All hope was lost.
What’s become of me?
All those years of coaching and practice — useless.
That was until I got the opportunity to bat.
It went better. Not great, but better. And I remembered that my specialty had never been bowling, but batting. A glimmer of hope. Within minutes the tension in my shoulders faded and I really started to enjoy every moment.
Every delivery.
An opportunity to connect bat with ball.
Hope regained.
Isn’t this hope that’s within all of humankind not just the most remarkable of things? To believe and know that the God of the Universe wants to connect with me!
To create and to recreate as we practice stewardship.
No matter how good we think we are.
We’re all invited to play — with hope in our hearts.
PRAYER:
Creator God,
Remind me to play more often.
So, I can regain my hope,
And trust
That you play
Alongside and with
Me, always.
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