Second chances

The San Francsico Giants are my team...I think. They drive my crazy.

Like last night. They went ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-1 behind their ace pitcher, Jason Schmidt. I turned the game off, relaxed and confident. When I checked in later it was 7-7 and I was beside myself.

They regained the lead in the top of the eighth 8-7 and I breathed a sigh of relief but the first batter up in Arizona's half of the inning hit a game-tying home run.

That was enough for me...until I got into bed, grabbed the headphones to hear the Giants had grabbed the lead, 9-8. I listened to an agonizing tenth inning with bases loaded and when the Giants finally eaked out the victory, I blurted out, "Yes!"

When you blow a 6-1 lead, and then an 8-7 lead, you don't deserve to win, do you? I mean, how many chances should you get?

Someone has benignly suggested that "God is the God of second chances". Everyone else may tune you out and say, "He doesn't deserve another chance to win." But not God!

I listened to a young woman tell me of three failed marriages but God's continuing grace. She talked of some of the pain she is still experiencing but we agreed that God's grace, extended to her in spite of blown opportunities again and again, was truly incredible.

I know the same to be true for me. I have blown it--surrendered the lead--but God has been faithful to bring me the victory when I have joined my heart to His.

"Yes!"