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Before the National Anthem is sung, the first pitch tossed and the umpire yells, “Play ball!” there is a crew of people who have worked hard to prepare the field for the players. The infield is dragged, the lines laid and the baseballs prepped. We never see many of the people who carry out these tasks before the game, but they make the day more enjoyable for everyone..

Coors Field, Denver, Colorado

Imagine the problems that might arise if there were no game balls, the lines were not marked from the previous game or the infield was roughed up and rocks littered the infield. The preparation taken for each game is critical not only for the enjoyment of the fans but for the safety of the players.

In the Christian community there are many people who use their gifts in the background, and whose work is critical to the proclamation of the gospel.

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10 New Living Translation

I could not do my job of pastoring if it were not for the many people at Holy Cross who use their God given gifts. As I prepare for a Bible class, people are visiting the sick in the hospital. As I write my sermon, people are helping the hungry in our food pantry. As I meet with staff, people are gathering and training their team for Vacation Bible School.

When the umpire says, “Batter up!” most of the work has been done. Before a staff meeting begins, a Bible study conducted, or a sermon preached, God’s people have been doing his work.

Thank God for the grounds crew!

Copyright Douglas P. Brauner