Last evening, I had the privilege to participate in the girls softball draft, ages 7-9 at the Paul Bewie Boys and Girls Club. After two years of coaching Trae's tee-ball team, it is time for both of us to graduate to a higher level.
This year will be different. For one, the teams are not mixed gender. Tee-ball included girls and boys on the same team. This year, it's all girls. Another difference lies in the fact that teams retain players who played together the previous season. There will be four teams in our league. Two teams retained 8 girls (one of which has 7 9-year olds). My team retained 3, all 8-year olds. I will have the youngest, most inexperienced team in the league this year. It could be a long year, with five 7-year olds, but hey, we're building a dynasty for 2007!
It hit me last night during the draft that every girl on my team this year is a team-member because I, the coach, chose her.
A couple of weeks ago, I ran into Sean and Carla Stillian, former members of the Village church, at Wal-Mart. The Stillian's had just returned from China where they adopted a beautiful 14-month old girl. While the adoption option might have its challenges, one thing that sweet little girl will never doubt is the love of her parents. They chose her.
In the same way as the draft and the adoption of a child, God chose me! He selected me, purchased me and adopted me into His family as His own child. He's given to me the full rights of sonship as a result of His selection. What an incredible blessing to be thankful for today. The blessing of being drafted, adopted, chosen by my Father.
