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Willing to Trade?

7/24/2013

4 Comments

 
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Boys love their baseball cards. Problem is they love someone else's more. So if a buddy has one a little guy wants, he'll try to work out a trade.
I caught my sons trying to outsmart each other, and for a while things were calm. Suddenly Andy found a card in his little brother's book he just had to have. It had zero value but Brady refused. I quickly observed he'll be a tough business man. No matter what his big brother offered, Brady wouldn't budge. Andy offered Hall of Famers, MVP's, even wanna-be Hall of Famers banned from baseball...nothing would entice the 6 year old.
I said, "Brady, your brother is offering up some real good stuff."
He wasn't impressed.
In fact, he decided it was time to issue a statement. (It was like watching two team GM's negotiate).
He said to his big brother, "Andy, no matter what you offer me, I'm not gonna give it up."
 
The brothers kept bickering, and I began thinking. How often have I rejected God's loving pursuit as I tell him, "No matter what you offer me, I'm not gonna give it up."
The Bible says Jesus 'stands at the door and knocks.' While I'm comforted knowing he is present, sometimes I cover my ears knowing deep down I really don't want to change. His Word says He offers me peace, but I choose to worry. He is slow to anger, but I usually think He's mad at me. He offers eternal life, but I think about the problems of today. He promises to forget my sin, but I still feel guilty. He offers me relationship, but I don't have the time most days. He tells me to be courageous, but I'm afraid. Like a stubborn little boy refusing to hand over a worthless baseball card in exchange for something valuable, I hold on to what I have, knowing it doesn't even compare.
Each of us has something we refuse to give up, no matter what He offers in return. What is the card we are holding, refusing to hand over? An addiction, grudge, relationship, jealousy?  I love what the prophet Isaiah said about Jesus, that "A bruised reed He will not break." We're all bruised reeds swaying in the wind, and Jesus is patient, compassionate, and gentle as He walks in our midst seeking our trust. The question is, what do we really gain by hanging on to what is worthless?

4 Comments
Chris Gammill
7/24/2013 10:07:41 am

Great post! I grew up collecting and trading baseball cards, so I could totally relate to this trade negotiation. Thoughtful point - I want to trade in a couple Jim Leyland manager cards for some Don Mattingly's for my life. :)

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Andrew
7/24/2013 12:20:26 pm

Thank you Chris. My kids can't believe I knew every player from the 80's. man we are getting older. Schmidt rookie is our best card so far.

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Ben link
7/25/2013 05:53:26 am

Dude,
now you got me thinking (about old baseball cards and things in my life not worth holding on to, such as my old baseball cards.)

Reply
Andrew
7/28/2013 09:15:43 am

I suppose it is summed up in Matthew 6:19-21. Quite a challenge to us all.

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    about the writer...

    Andrew is thankful he's had the opportunity to do some cool things so far... drummer and lead singer in a rock 'n' roll band, TV Sports Reporter, and earn a couple of Master's degrees along the way. He's glad he has a great wife to help him navigate parenthood, especially now that his boys are chasing around a little sister. He hopes this site helps you grow closer to God and your children.
     

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