When keeping score at a baseball game, numbers are used for each of the defensive positions. One is the pitcher, two the catcher, three is first base, four is second base, five is third base, and six is shortstop. Seven, eight and nine then cover left, center and right fields. Thus a shortstop to second to first double play is recorded 6-4-3 DP. As far as I know, this has not changed.
However, names certainly have. Going defensively 1-9 (and adding 10 as the first off the bench or the DH), compare the players first names of the 1968 Detroit Tigers with what could be their lineup at times this year. 1968: Mickey, Bill, Norm, Dick, Don, Ray, Willie, Mickey, Al, and Jim. 2025: Tarik, Dillon, Colt, Gleyber, Jace, Trey, Riley, Parker, Kerry, and Spencer. Now we can only hope and pray that the results will be the same in spite of all the “new” names.
A few weeks ago I was raving about a book I had started to read, “They turned the Word Upside Down” (Charles Martin). Well, the rest of the book did not pan out anywhere close. As I read it, my thoughts went from “everyone should read this” … to “why am I reading this – I am disagreeing with much of how he says things” … to “ok, what nuggets can I prospect out of this?” And, thankfully, nuggets were found. One in particular is that critical reading of authors with whom I disagree is worthwhile. Another is how important the proper distinction between Law and Gospel is.
I am just over100 pages into another book, “How the Light Shines Through” (resilient witness in dark times) by Chad Lakies. Chad is on staff for Lutheran Hour Ministries. And, once again I’m thinking, “everyone should read this.” Along with my thoughts is a prayer that the remaining 200 pages are as good as the first 100.
I think many people of my generation would identify with Lakies’ explanation of how we deal with our changing world (and the church’s place in the world). First, he says, we experience the loss of the way things were. And second, we feel as if something has been taken from us. He then goes on to discuss strategies for engaging in conversations with people of different ideologies or orientations. Chapter 3 – “How not to let Issues Prevent Relationships” – was particularly provocative … and did you ever consider that “the word hospitality in English comes from a mishmash of Latin words for “host” and “hostile”? (p. 105)
Change … or Not! Many of his thoughts are new … yet very similar to things I learned way back in the late ‘70’s as a DCE (Oh, what a weeklong retreat that was learning “The Art of Listening”)! And, as Lakies points out, the way Jesus dealt with people. Humility, servanthood, and listening with the goal of understanding … through am emphasis upon interrogatives … makes so much sense to me. Change … or not!
And then I think about the vacations Monica and I have taken together over the years. I would always spend some of the time working … which would always frustrate her. Then, last year, after retiring, I did zero work while we were gone (of course, some have ventured to ask, “Can a retired person actually go on vacation? Isn’t that what retirement is?”). Now this week I have found myself in contact (phone, email, text) with nearly a dozen (perhaps more) people – all ministry “work” … and Monica’s frustrations returned. Change … of Not!
Yes, many things change. And, yes, many things don’t change. But what I notice most is my constant need to change … or, more specifically, to be changed by the God who called me to be his own, and to live with him in his Kingdom.
I need to be changed to become more functional in our changing world … just as David learned about himself centuries ago. Thus my daily prayer is one he penned: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinner will return to you.” (Psalm 51.10-13)
With that, I will let you see how any of this applies to you … or Not! While you are doing that I am going to be thinking about the three different meanings of the word “secular”! And by the way, the weather around the pool I Biloxi has been perfect!