Last week I received two different invitations via text and direct message.
The first invitation was from a friend I have known for years. We played softball together. For a short period, we lived together. I’m pretty sure at some point we fought about a trade deadline deal in a fantasy football league. In our years of knowing one another, he has seen me stumble, fall, get up, and fall again. We see that when we care about people at a brotherhood level.
I’ve seen the same in him.
So when I received the message he was speaking at a Men’s Prayer Breakfast, of course, I would be there. We do that when we have witnessed our brothers fall and get back up.
On Saturday I witnessed my brother speak of the restoration and healing in his life. The Jesus way.
The second invitation was from the friend of one of our daughters. She’s like family to us. It simply said, “I am getting baptized Sunday, I’d love for you and Heather to be there.”
Here was the rub – I had to work. I didn’t have to just work, it was a big night where I work on Sundays. The college coach of THE biggest University where we live was speaking. I have actually been chasing an interview with that coach for many months now. So when I looked at my schedule I realized I had a decision to make.
Will I chase that interview because I will be with him or will I support this young lady who is like a daughter to our family?
I’m not here for a pat on the back or for glory. There was no thought. I was going to that baptism! This young lady is making a public declaration of her faith. We love her. She is like our daughter. That coach of THE university in our town can wait.
I would rather celebrate her declaration of faith than interview some coach. I don’t care what coach it is. I mean that with all of my heart.
Saturday I witnessed the redeeming power of Jesus thanks to an invitation.
Sunday I witnessed the saving power of Jesus thanks to an invitation.
It is always, only, Jesus.
Nothing will ever be more important.
