Picked for the team

Have you ever started reading something that caused emotions to explode in you and it feels like you can't swallow? That happened to me this morning. It's amazing. Feelings of inadequacy from long ago just welled up in me and I felt it all over again as if it was today. It's the old way of choosing sides or being picked for the team.

When I was growing up, and I'm sure it happens still today, we'd start to play a game of softball or basketball or even Red Rover and you had to divide into teams. One person was told they were the captain of each side and then the rest of us all lined up and these two people would choose people, taking turns, until all were chosen. Do you know what it feels like to be one of the last few people chosen? I do. Being chosen in the beginning meant you were really, really good; you were really wanted. Being chosen towards the end meant you weren't so good.

Childhood lessons learned on the playground have a way of sticking with us through life. One must put the right perspective on those things otherwise they can affect our adult years as well. Feelings of inadequacy that are a result of childhood are powerful emotions.

There are also positive childhood experiences that can be triggered by a phrase or a smell. For me, when I smell yeast bread or desserts baking, it brings a feeling of comfort and safety. Memories of my family all getting together eating great meals, lots of laughter, good music and playing games.

What I love about the Kingdom of God is that there is only one Captain and he has chosen each one of us. He said, "You didn't choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won't spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you." (John 15:16).

He reminds us that he chose us. Why do we have to be reminded? I think it's because it's so easy to forget. It's so easy to revert back to feelings of inadequacy or to feel like we are not very important. Here he reminds us that he chose us, we didn't choose him.

Another important nugget of truth to remember is that everyone has importance in God's kingdom. In Matthew 20, Jesus paid those that were hired first the same as those that were hired for a shorter time frame. The rewards Jesus has for us are not based on how long we've known him or what it is we can do.

He chose me and you. He says we will be successful. Our fruit will not spoil. WOW! What a wonderful Savior. What a great promise!

So whether you can hit a home run,
or whether you are the bat boy,
remember Jesus chose YOU!