Mitch Kelleher was a former major league baseball infielder who played 11 seasons for five teams (FCR Photo)
Do you fear living a life of mediocrity?
Cambridge Dictionary defines mediocre as just acceptable but not good, but sometimes we think we see mediocrity when in actuality, it’s dedication – defined as the willingness to give a lot of time and energy to something because it is important.
In baseball, former infielder Mick Kelleher (who played 11 seasons) hit .213 and had 230 hits but never recorded a home run (and actually is the most recently retired non-pitcher to have more than 1,000 at-bats and no home runs).
Kelleher, in 1972 with a minor league team in Tulsa before moving up to the majors, set a record for shortstops with a .979 fielding percentage – which is a measure that reflects the percentage of times a defensive player properly handles a batted or thrown ball.
When reading through the Bible, we see the stories of great faith, strong performances, and ordinary people used in miraculous ways, and it’s easy to fall victim to comparison.
So before you decide actually to fall into a life of spiritual mediocrity, remember that the Lord who coaches your team might not need you to blast home runs or steal bases; rather, He may be relying on you to play a pivotal role on defense.
Show up every day to play, and then let the Coach decide where he needs you.
(#30)
