Craig Clouston

God Loves The Mets*

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

Eric grew up loving life. He really enjoyed sports, food, and music…but most of all, Eric loved people. Eric said goodbye to the local small town radio station he’d been employed by and moved to the west coast to join childhood friend, Ian, in pursuing a career in music. Suddenly, he found himself working part-time at one of the largest Bay-area radio stations.

Michael, golf pro and coworker from the station, invited Eric to play a round of golf with him and his wife, Alice. Steve, the sports director of the station would round out the foursome. As they played and chatted, sharing fragments of personal history, Eric learned Steve had been part of the 1986 NY Mets organization. Immediately, Eric felt compelled to share a pertinent childhood story, “It was 1986,” he began. “It appeared the game was lost…no chance the Mets would win.”

Steve smiled as the story unfolded.

“Mom was a stickler for bedtime, but that night, following my relentless appeal to watch my favorite team, she surrendered. It was my prayer that did it, Mom said. ‘God, take care of the little boy who looks like Ian, and please let the Mets win the World Series. Amen.’ That’s what I prayed.” He smiled, “Mom let me go back downstairs! Right then the TV cameras panned the outfield. Hanging from the upper deck was a sheet that said, ‘God loves the Mets!’ Mom said, ‘The Mets are going to win…I know it!’ She said she knew they’d win because it would be a benchmark to building my faith.” Looking at Steve, he said, “You know the rest of the story. Poor Billy Buchner lives in infamy…but my Mets won! The truth is it did impact my faith.”

†

God cares about even the small things in a seven-year-old’s life. To think that 25 years before, as a seven year old, Eric had requested victory for his favorite team…a team Steve was affiliated with, and that their paths would cross this day. God has always ordered Eric’s steps.

When we understand that God has purposed our lives we can, like Eric, trust Him to direct our steps.

Prayer

“Lord of my life, thank You for always keeping my feet headed in the right direction. May You always continue guiding my steps. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

*Co-written by Nancy Clouston