As a Bostonian, it’s difficult to get excited about anything that happens in Yankee Stadium unless the Red Sox sweep a series. But as I watched the clips* from Mariano Rivera’s final exit from the mound in last night’s game, I was powerless to stop the tears.
This was about something much bigger than celebrating an amazing career. It taps into a primal longing that we all have. A longing to be seen and to be recognized for how we spend our days.
For my family and many friends, this has been a excruciatingly difficult season. Sudden deaths, sicknesses, losses on the economic, professional, and relational fronts have created a new normal. We slog on, endeavoring to love those in our circles, pay the bills, serve God. But threatening questions loom below the surface. Is this what I have to look forward to for the rest of my days? Does it even matter that I’m working so hard?
There is something in the human soul that wants to know that we got it right. That we didn’t miss our assignment. That the time spent wiping bottoms, nursing elderly parents, crying with friends, praying with friends, standing with friends matters. Most of us won’t have a World Championship ring or find our names in the Baseball Hall of Fame but we all need the ovation that Mariano got.
In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells a parable about three servants. Their master gives them a sum of money to invest. Upon the master’s return, the first servant communicates of his successful investment. His master then says the words we all long to hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
To those of you who are struggling, doubting, uncertain of whether or not you and your life matter, watch the clip and know that God and many others in your life appreciate you just as deeply as the Yankee fans appreciate Rivera. Well done. All of you.
(*If you only have five minutes, watch the second clip, titled Mo exist to heartwarming ovation.)
There is a deep place within us to be honored, to be seen, to be cherished, to be thanked. This moment embodies so much of that & the excellence with which he served the team is unmistakable. God has His ways of redeeming that which seems lost now. Just you wait & see! And, thankfully, there is an eternal reward that awaits those who serve without public notice & it will indeed be glorious. Much love to you & Christopher!
And well done to you too, Dorothy. Truly and from the bottom of my heart — Well done!