Why I’m wearing a Reds cap this year.
Last Spring, a few days before the baseball season began and at a time when it was becoming clear that my friend Michael Spencer would soon leave this life, I posted the following wish on Twitter:
You know what I wish? That Michael, Denise, BHT guys and our wives meet at Great American Ballpark to see Michael’s Reds open the season
Michael loved baseball and he loved his Reds. The fantasy of taking him out to Opening Day was wonderful to think of. But it was not to be, of course, and we all knew it.
But Aaron Smith, one of the BHT guys, replied with a post explaining that in the New Creation we will have the joy of watching perfect baseball games with Michael, along with worshiping Jesus perfectly, and what a joy that will be. Aaron said it much better than I can remember it. I wish I had kept it. It was a brilliant post, full of hope and comfort and gospel and Jesus. And Baseball!
So at Christmas I received a parcel from Amazon.com. It was from Aaron. It was a Cincinnati Reds baseball cap. The note that came with the gift read as follows:
Richard, I hope you realize that this hat is more about hope than it is about baseball. Someday, you, Michael, myself, and our wives will all go see a perfect baseball game, drink perfect beer, and worship Jesus perfectly.
It was a lump-in-the-throat moment.
Thanks so much, Aaron! I love the cap and I love the note. I cannot think of a better, more meaningful present.
And so this Spring and Summer I shall be wearing a Cincinnati Reds baseball cap, confusing my friends who all know that my allegiance lies with the Red Sox, and telling the story about a couple of friends, one deceased, and the upcoming baseball game that we have real good tickets for.
