Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Phillie Phantastic


A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Yesterday, my dear hubby was interviewed by a writer who’s working on a historical book about the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team. If you’re wondering why, it’s because when my dh graduated from high school he was signed by the Phillies organization, which was a pretty big deal at the time since he was the first black player to wear that team's uniform. He played third base and was an above average hitter during his time in the minor leagues. He had the opportunity to train with the majors once or twice, but for a variety of reasons, some physical, some obscure, being a major league ball player was not to be.

He was reminiscing about this with me for a while last night, talking a little about his dreams and disappointments of those bygone days. After we had talked a bit, he told me how glad he was that it hadn’t worked out. If it had, he said, he’s sure that he never would have married the wife that he did and had the daughters that he did. See how God orders our steps? I’m sure glad he didn’t end up with the Phillies. I never knew this before, but at the time that his baseball career fell through, one of his sisters said to him, “Sometimes temporary failures are stepping stones to success.” Wow. How true. He may not have been “successful” as a professional athlete, but he certainly has been a faithful servant of Christ, dependable and committed husband, devoted and protective father, and caring and understanding friend. So, as far as I’m concerned, he’s been a success. Actually, that's pretty fantastic in this day and age.

6 comments:

Beverly said...

I agree whole-heartedly of course! Even though things may be disappointing at the time, "He has made all things beautiful in His time."

Obviously, I am happy that Daddy didn't sign with the Phillies, because I am one of the daughters that may not have been! Love you Daddy!

Beka said...

Such a beautiful testimony to God's sovereignty!! I, too, am glad he didn't become a major league player. God has used him much more mightily in the areas you talked about, as a servant of Christ, husband, father, and friend.

chrisd said...

What a romantic thing to say! A great testimony to God's sovereignty--I agree w/Beka!

Hope you are well!

Mommysmart said...

We may have never met, but there is a reason that God sent you over to my blog and that I have been reading yours ever sense. This is a beautiful post and I NEEDED to read it today! God is so good and knows what is best for us. Thank you for sharing your testimony to that fact.

Sara said...

I really liked this post Mrs. R! God works in so many mysterious ways, turning our disappointments into wonderful things we could never have imagined. Thanks for sharing that!
~Sara

Tanya said...

Maxine: I love this! I have struggled many times with "broken promises" and missed dreams, but God is always faithful and infinitely wiser than we could ever be. He knows what is best and gives it to us wrapped in grace. I thank God He is in control. Who knows where we would be on our own!

I'm so glad you stopped by my blog. :) It has been a pleasure "meeting" you through your site. Oh, and your grandbaby is GORGEOUS!! I just want to kiss those cheeks!