October

October might be my favorite month. I love that it starts to get cool and I am released from the oppressive heat of the south. I love seeing the leaves change colors. But, most of all I love the World Series.

For most of my childhood and adolescence I believed that I would grow up to be the replacement for Cal Ripken Jr. The stage was set perfectly. Cal began his career at nearly 21 years old and retired when I was about to turn 18. There might have been a short little gap between us as I worked my way through the minor league system, but this could have been filled by Miguel Tejada. By 2004 he would have been out because of steroids and the next homegrown Marylander would take the reigns for a 21 year career at SS for the Baltimore Orioles. Sadly, this never came to fruition. But in spite of my failures, I still get giddy in October. This World Series however has made me feel old. The reason is Raul Mondesi.

I remember baseball players from the 80's and 90's with an alarming accuracy. But, if I met them in real life I might not recognize them. For me, this is Raul Mondesi:

That's mid 90's baseball gold. It was smack dab in the middle of the steroid age and the junk wax era and I was dialed in. Raul Mondesi is about 12 years older than me. His son however was just named to the Royals' World Series roster. He made his debut yesterday in game three, striking out. (p.s. Baltimore, I could've debuted and struck out as well). But, what made me feel old is that I'm about 12 years older than Raul Mondesi Jr.

Good grief. I started feeling old when players that I collected hawkishly like Matt Williams and Don Mattingly started becoming managers. But this takes the cake!

A Soccer Ministry

(Originally written June 14, 2006 in Book 3)

In light of the World cup taking place in Germany right now and seeing the incredible draw this sport has internationally I have come to an idea. Or, the idea has come to me. Missions can be accomplished through soccer. What would it take? 15 players/missionaries traveling all over the world to teach soccer, thousands of balls and some traveling money? To see poor children kicking rags around a dusty street is heart wrenchingly beautiful. Thus, "The Beautiful Goal" is born. My aim is to start a mission group that delivers balls and nets and camps to poor areas in the world. Let us go make disciples of football in the name of God. Football (soccer) is a perfect way of spreading Christ's love to the world. Imagine fifteen 18-30 year olds forming a club that is both talented and dedicated to serving Christ. It can cross cultural borders, language barriers and religious differences.

This would be the uniform - simple soccer style with a crest bearing three courses or maybe a just single cross. What could be more beautiful then the love Christ being spread through an international language?

What would be needed?

People - 15 soccer players, requirements being talent, teaching ability, a love of Christ and a love of man

Financial organizer - financial know-how, a love of Christ and a love of man

Cultural expert - requirements being knowledge of cultures, love of Christ love of man

Resources:

Prayer, Money, Soccer balls, uniforms, plane tickets, places to stay

Trips: 2-4 weeks in an impoverished area, delivering joy, Gospel, soccer balls, nets, training and most importantly God's love.

I know that these are normally my philosophical journals, but philosophy should be a means to an end; not an end in and of itself. The end of all things should be the spread of God's love and the ultimate salvation of souls.