My Softball Team

Yes folks, its that time of year again, mens softball is gearing up. Honestly, its a bitter sweet time of year for me. I love the game, I could never get bored playing it. However, coaching a industrial league team can be quite the ordeal. I used to play for my church team but due to some philosophical differences with the coach, along with my brother we have moved on to a different team. Due to circumstances out of my control and my knowledge of the game I sort of fell into coaching this team after I joined it. The problem with this team is that it is made of of several men who have no interest in God, church or fellowship (other then drinking beer) Ben and I along with one other man are the only Christians on the team. This used to get be a little down to be honest, but as time has gone on I have realized that this team is a gift as well as a challenge from God. Right now I don't know that getting any of these guys to church is a real possibility, right now I am just working on them to reduce their foul language (as well as ejections from games). Don't get me wrong, we have alot of fun, we lose alot but we have alot of fun and it's more about the game then winning. However, last year I had told myself that I was done with these guys, that I would take the easy road and jump ship on them. I was going to finish out our losing season and that would be it. We went 0-14 for the season and I was already to quit but something didn't feel right. I started praying to God to show me a sign, to tell me that I was making the right choice. A couple weeks later we were playing in the end of season tournament (everyone qualifies) and suddenly something strange happened. My completely dysfunctional team came together, they stopped fighting each other, they started cheering for each other, they quit cussing at the umpires. In the end of the tournament we ended up 3rd and won a trophy for our sponsor. I don't know if that was the sign God wanted me to see or not, but that's how I took it. I now feel like God has me where he wants me with these guys. I don't think I could give up on this team for anything now. I still haven't gotten anyone to come to church with me but I'm not giving up. The season is just a month away and I can't wait. Pray for my team. It should be a great year. I am sure God will make it what he wants it to be.