Life is anything but predictable.
Like a baseball player stepping into the batter’s box, we never quite know what’s coming next. Unlike batting practice, not every pitch is a fastball. Some days bring unexpected opportunities and blessings. Other days bring challenges, disappointments, and the occasional curveball that catches us completely off guard.
This past Sunday, we had the joy of celebrating Father’s Day together on our church campus—which included some fabulous bacon!
More importantly, we gathered to worship and celebrate our Heavenly Father. He is so gracious, merciful, and faithful to us. What a joy it is to come together as followers of Jesus and worship Him. We also celebrated two people publicly professing their faith in Jesus through baptism. What a great day! I’m already looking forward to next Sunday!
This Father’s Day was filled with a wide range of emotions for me—curveballs, if you will.
I found myself missing my earthly father, the man who taught me to love Jesus and the Chicago Cubs. I miss him deeply, but I also look forward to the glorious day when I will see him again in the presence of our Savior. It was sorrow mixed with hope.
At the same time, I celebrated with my oldest son as he enjoyed his very first Father’s Day with his beautiful four-month-old daughter - my fifth grandchild. She is absolutely gorgeous by the way. There was joy and anticipation as I watched him step into this new season of life. I also had the opportunity to spend time with my daughter, receive hugs from her four little ones, and share a few moments with my youngest son and his wife. Those moments were precious gifts.
I also spent the day with the love of my life, Leslie, who consistently loves Jesus above all else and faithfully loves her family. Through every twist and turn of life, she remains a steady reminder of God's grace.
Then, on Father’s Day evening, our family experienced a different kind of moment. My beloved mother-in-love, Ginger, peacefully stepped from this life into the presence of Jesus.
Life can change quickly.
The same day can hold both joy and sorrow, celebration and grief, laughter and tears.
And that’s why we cling to Jesus.
He is our hope, our Redeemer, our Savior, our guide, our righteousness, and our peace. When the
curveballs come—and they always do—we hold tightly to the One who never changes.
Scripture reminds us that while we make plans for tomorrow, none of us are promised tomorrow. Life is filled with twists, turns, and unexpected moments. Yet through it all, we can trust the sovereignty, goodness, and faithfulness of God, our loving Heavenly Father.
So, when life throws a curveball, take a deep breath, keep your eyes on Jesus, and step back into the batter’s box. Trust Him for the next pitch. Trust Him for the next season. Trust Him with the next step.
Let me encourage you to continue moving forward with excitement and anticipation for all that God has in store. I truly believe our best days are ahead as we faithfully follow Jesus
and pursue His mission.
Dave