Dodger/God Analogy...

The Dodgers swept against the Cubs in the NLDS match-up! I was so excited, not only because we were the only team to sweep during round one this year, but also because everyone seemed to be voting against us in the beginning. Boy, did we show them! It’s crazy to think that we were so down in the luck department before Manny showed up. One outfielder and it changed everything. Sure, you could argue that the addition of Casey Blake was a factor, as well as some moving around on defense and offense, but Manny brought the magic. His abilities enhanced those of the Dodgers. When you look at the season, his first couple games, Manny was the only Dodger showing up. But, as the weeks went on, his intensity began to spread. In post-season, it has been James Loney leading with RBIs, not Manny. Either and Kemp have grown into outstanding outfielders. The rookie, Blake DeWitt, has stepped up and been a key player in the infield. Everyone is playing stronger, and better.

God is calling me to be a Manny as a youth pastor. He wants me to go where he has called me, and start to move things and shake things up. At first, I may seem I am the only one who is pulling any weight; everyone else may just be along for the ride. But it is my job to start infecting those around me. I need to cause other people to want what I have and I need to lead for a short period of time, then step back and see what they can do. This isn’t just for me, it’s for all of us. We have all had a Manny in our life at some point. Someone who’s energy caused us to change something in ourselves, to become a better player, or a better person.

Next season, the Dodgers are most likely going to lose Manny to some other team. But I hope that the energy he brought to LA doesn’t leave with him. It is my hope that when I leave from any job, any place, that I infected people for Christ enough that they can still thrive when I am gone.