May Devotional: Who are you playing catch with?

Dear Southport Congregational Church,

I am one of the proud coaches of the Fairfield American Little League’s Marauders baseball team. Our season officially started in the middle of April, but Simon and I have been playing catch since the ground first thawed. Almost every day after school, Simon asks to play catch in the backyard. Playing catch is one of my favorite things to do. Not only is it a chance for my brain to slow down, but it also makes me think of my childhood and I almost always smile. As Simon and I toss the ball back and forth, we fall into a rhythm and I naturally start to think about you all.

So much of what we learn is caught, not taught. Meaning, we learn it by being close to it, touching it, and experiencing it. For example, we can be taught about baptism from the Gospel of Matthew, but we can catch baptism when we see the water, speak the welcome, and hear the laughter of a little one. We can be taught about Holy Communion from our creeds and confessions, but we can catch Holy Communion when the table is present, the bread is broken, the cup is poured, and the elements are tasted. We can be taught about discipleship or mentorship from a podcast or book, but we can catch discipleship or mentorship when we spend time with one another, pray with one another, and unite with one another in service to our community.

This is all to say, who are you playing catch with? Who we surround ourselves with is so very important. If you don’t believe me, ask a parent with school-aged children, and they’ll tell you how much they desire their children to be surrounded by good friends. This concept goes beyond adolescence though. We all need to be surrounded by good, kind, and faithful people who want to “play catch.” I often wonder if some of our local, national and global injustices could have been avoided if leaders had been surrounded with friendships that spoke and modeled goodness, kindness, and faithfulness.

Ultimately, the theology we learn from scripture and the sacraments die within us if we do not embody them and live them out with those around us. So, who are you playing catch with? As we transition into spring, would you prayerfully consider playing catch with a friend, a neighbor, or a family member so that God might be glorified, and love might be shared.

Grace & Peace,
Rev. Dr. Mark Waterstone