Theme: Being There for Others

Verse: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." (John 13:34-35)

A few noteworthy events happened this last week.

We inaugurated a “new” President.

We celebrated the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. and

My first granddaughter, Hazel Ann Janssen, was born consequently making my first grandson, Wyatt, a big brother.

Hazel’s arrival also happened to coincide with the loss of a sports “legend,” Bob Uecker (aka Mr. Baseball). Most of you know him from his TV commercials for Miller Lite or as the fictional baseball broadcaster Harry (“Juuuuuust a Bit Outside”) Doyle from the movie “Major League.” Prior to all of that Uecker actually was an MLB player and World Series champion with the 1964 St. Louis Cardinals. (And yes, I have to get this in. The Cards beat the Evil Empire, the New York Yankees, that year!)

Uecker made a second career centered around telling self-deprecating jokes about his time as a baseball player. Here are a few of my favorites:

- “I had a great shoe contract and glove contract with a company who paid me a lot of money never to be seen using their stuff.”

- “I led the league in go get 'em next time.”

- “I signed a very modest $3,000 bonus with the Braves in Milwaukee. And my old man didn't have that kinda money to put out.”

The thing I liked about Uecker was he never took himself too seriously. Even though he was quite successful in his post playing days, he made time for those around him and generally made the world a better place for baseball fans everywhere.

In our sermon this week Pastor Vicki cited one of Paul’s letters to Corinth that told them to get with it and stop being a “baby (immature) church.” The sermon described the characteristics of being a baby (immature) in our faith and being mature in our faith. What struck me on the mature side was that maturity is exemplified by, among other things, being there for others.

So, as Hazel’s arrival starts the clock ticking on another life in this world, let’s look back on Bob Uecker’s life and always remember that we are never too big or important to look out for others. Let’s strive to help the people around us and create a better world for Hazel, Wyatt, and their generation.

Have a GREAT week!