Play Ball!

Being mainline is strike one;

small church is strike two;

now we’re just protecting the plate.

Are we attempting to foul-off

anything close, hoping to gain 
a free pass; or actually trying

to connect with anything(one?)

in the neighborhood?

Maybe it’s an altogether

different plate we’re guarding;

one filled more with coins

and George Washingtons

than a representation of

the gifts of God’s generosity.

How do we stay in the game,

when faster-paced events, and activities

with measurable payback get more attention;

where shot and play clock prevail,

and return on investment rules?

How does the timelessness of faith

play in today’s tightly scheduled arena,

where pleasure is the measure,

and every window’s a mirror?

When the upward journey

reveals its cracks, and the good life

turns out to be a hollow shell

with little more inside than unfulfilled hunger,

we’ll recognize the plate we have

isn’t for protecting, but holds

the bread of life; our cup, not for guarding,

but offering living wine and water,

filling the world’s deepest longing:

to share all of our broken self

at the deepest, with neither

fear of rejection nor anxiety

over whether there’ll be

enough for tomorrow.

Photo by Maggie Beamguard

© 2013 Todd Jenkins