Well... since I grew up in south Florida, I am fan-crazy for most teams from Miami (Go Dolphins). Since it's baseball season, I closely follow the Florida Marlins. It just so happened that my Marlins were in town (ATL that is), you know we had to go to a game! We headed out from the hotel traveling about 10 blocks to hop on the Marta transit bus to Turner Field. On the way up the street I stopped and asked a bus driver how much it would cost to take us to 5 points. He said "aww, just get on the bus, I'm headed there now." That was awesome... a free ride saving us time and energy.
When we got to the game, I immediately ran/hopped down to the field to watch the end of batting practice. I didn't notice the security lady (Arquita) stopping Erin and a few of the youth. She initially said that we needed to have tickets to be down there, but changed her mind for some reason. She saw my foot in a boot and then to my shock asked us where we wanted to sit. "Ummm, let me think - as close as we can" was exactly what I said, I mean begged. lol. We got awesome seats right on the left field wall between 3rd base and the foul pole. I was so close I could smell the game. Icing on the cake (besides the nice man from Ireland who sat next to me with that great accent) was the Marlins beating the Braves 5-1! I told Erin that it was definitely my day.
I couldn't help but think my experiences Tuesday reminded me of God's grace. "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions -- it is by GRACE you are saved" (Ephesians 2:4-5). We did nothing to deserve that free bus ride. We didn't pay. We got something we didn't deserve. Our original seats were in the upper deck - nosebleed; yet, we were given a free gift. I was once a dead man walking... spiritually that is. Years ago in college I was given something I didn't deserve. I received the free gift of God's love perfectly demonstrated in His son Jesus. My life has never been the same.
Arquita, thanks for the great seats. gracious. God, thanks for Jesus and for new life! GRACE
ps... I could have turned down the offer for the new seats... "whatever!" What about you? Have you accepted God's free gift of His son Jesus. Don't turn down that incredible offer! Contact me if you have questions. If you're sitting in new seats/life already... thank God for His grace.
