But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.”

Psalm 31:14 ESV

Sweat dripped down my back and forehead in the oppressive summer evening heat. I was still able to concentrate on my ten-year old granddaughter Mack playing softball. This was her first year, but she was all in, mentally and physically. When she pitched, she focused on all the game situations. She knew the pitching count and how many outs there were each inning. 

When she was at bat and running bases, her attention changed. I watched her when she was on second base, ready to steal to third base or get the go-ahead to run when someone else made a hit. She stretched her frame toward third base, all the time securing one foot on second base, her eyes glued to the third base coach—her dad. I was astounded by her unwavering focus. Nothing else mattered as she waited to get a signal from her dad.  How could she do that? If that was me, the temptation to sneak a glimpse of the other batters and base runners would have been too great to resist. How could I be sure of the call? 

What I witnessed was complete trust in that moment. Trust in her father prevailed because she knew he was trustworthy, and he loved her. She believed without a doubt that he had her best interests at heart and wouldn’t lead her stray. Even the intense heat and fatigue didn’t distract her.

Lord, why don’t I trust you like that? You’re totally trustworthy as my heavenly Father. You’ve never let me down and yet I waver to follow your guidance. I don’t always come to you when you call me. Thank you for showing me a fine example of a secure relationship. 

Mack raced to third base at her father’s beckoning and made it safely to home plate for a team run and win… but the best part of the game for me was studying the connection between father and daughter. 

Karen Sims