by David Melton
I have learned something about myself in the past couple of years. I think Major League Baseball has been my teacher.
Anybody who knows me at all knows that I am a Boston Red Sox fan. I really like “the Old Time Team” … most of the time. Last year I was remarkably silent about baseball. The whole 2012 baseball season is conveniently fogged in my mind. Just blocked it out. Who is Bobby Valentine, anyway? Can’t place the guy!
That’s what I have learned … if I really loved the Red Sox, I would enjoy watching the game whether it is 2012 or 2013. I have learned that I like watching the Red Sox play well! Sure, I like to see them win, but if they at least play well I can still find enjoyment in watching. But let some guy “pull a Buckner” (if you have to ask, please don’t) and I’ve got the remote in hand ready to act. Baseball is fun to watch – as long as it is done right!
I guess I’m that way about a lot of things. I just came back from the Next Step Up Conference at Lighthouse Baptist Church in St. Louis and that was done right! Pastor Keith Gillming and his whole team did an amazing job of providing a program, meals, and camaraderie that you should check out for yourself next year. Well done!
Later this month I will get to surprise a dear friend, Pastor Gary Favor, and the amazing Faith Baptist Church in Dayton, as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. Half a century of winning souls and discipling folks in the Dayton area, and giving more to missions around the world than almost any other church their size that I have ever heard of! They are getting it done, and eternity alone will show how extraordinarily well they “played the game.”
I probably wear out Boston students and staff with my penchant for doing things well. I don’t like trash (not even a gum wrapper!) on the ground. I am particularly picky about light bulbs (If we are going to have light bulbs, then all of them should come on when you flip the switch!). I want classes that start on time, end on time, and are riveting and challenging for students. I want audits that look good (eh … um … that’s where you might come in!), accreditation reviews that are sparkling, and recruitment that goes relentlessly after the best young leaders.
I like it when things are done right! I know there is a danger in being a perfectionist, and St. Francis was probably onto something when he asked God to grant him “the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.” Yet seeing something done right just makes sense — on campus or on the diamond. So in Boston we are pressing on for greatness and excellence in what we do. And “Go Sox!” (I hope they are still playing by the time you read this!)!