I am a nut for baseball, particularly the Chicago Cubs. Guess what? They are in the playoffs! I couldn’t be more excited or ridiculous about it. But here’s the twist: I’m not praying for them to win. Shocking, right? I need you to know I’d absolutely wear stinky, lucky socks for days if I thought it would help them win. But my prayers aren’t about runs or standings.

When I pray about baseball, my prayers sound different. I pray that every team and every player will be the best version of themselves, and the hard work, discipline, and joy of the game will bring out what God planted in them. I pray that in the battles on the diamond, moments of sportsmanship, grit, and grace will reveal something of God’s character. And I pray that the rest of us fans who shout ourselves hoarse in the stands or from our couches will remember what this game can do: bring people together who might not agree on much else, and remind us of our shared humanity and love of the game.

Baseball is often called “America’s pastime,” but I think of it as a parable. It teaches us to wait, to hope, to celebrate, and sometimes to endure heartbreak. It teaches us that even the best players strike out, that errors happen, anybody can be the hero, and that redemption can come in the late innings. And when thousands of people gather to watch, listen, and celebrate, we catch a glimpse of what community can be: people with differences setting them aside for a few hours to delight in the same story as it unfolds. Sports have a way of showing us that we can disagree, compete fiercely, and still respect and even care for one another. That’s a pretty good lesson to carry with us off the field, too.

My wish for you this week, Reader, is that wherever your “playing field” happens to be, you’ll show up fully with heart, with grace, and with love. May your presence invite others into a deeper sense of connection. And may all of us find in our shared stories; in baseball, in life, in faith, the God who always brings people together. That's the fiLLLed life.

Live a fiLLLed life, Melissa ​

P.S. GO CUBS!! Hopefully, when you receive this, the Cubs will be preparing for a series in Milwaukee. 🤞🏻