[373 words]
What would you do to be at the birth of your child? Would you miss work? Skip an important meeting? Risk disappointing customers and co-workers?
That’s the decision Daniel Hudson faced recently. Only Daniel isn’t in the corporate world; he’s a relief pitcher for the Washington Nationals. And, despite it being the first game of the National League Championship, Daniel’s decision was easy—go to the birth.
For Hudson, family is a top priority. He explained: “baseball is what I do; it isn’t who I am.” He made the decision to be at the birth, no matter what the consequences.
And that decision angered many people. Some posted derogatory comments on social media. In their minds, missing a championship game was inexcusable! But Hudson also received support. A fellow pitcher said: “We sacrifice so much and we miss so much during our careers. We miss graduations and weddings. Lots of players might miss their kids’ first steps or first words. They’re gone six to eight months out of the year and can’t take their kids to school or help their wives with taking care of the kids. So when he said, ‘Hey, I need a day to be with my family because my wife is about to give birth,’ it was a no-brainer for me, and we focused all our energy on picking him up.”
Daniel’s example is a good reminder; “what you do,” for a living and “who you are” are not the same thing. We should all answer the question: “What won’t you miss?” And answer in advance so you won’t second-guess in the moment.
If you are a Christian, you are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14), called (2 Peter 1:3), and chosen (Revelation 17:14). You are minister and witness (Acts 26:16), saint (Romans 1:7), soldier (2 Timothy 2:3), and steward, (1 Peter 4:10). You are citizen (Philippians 3:20) and ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20). You are loved (John 3:16).
That’s who you are. Your vocation is a choice. So whether you make or miss events in this life, decide today to endure in the faith. Then you won’t miss the most important thing: eternity in heaven.
Greg Wanderman
Church of Christ at Clover
Clover, SC