The God That Does Not Disappoint

The recovery is slower than I anticipated. I thought by now I would have been over the shock, but the sudden disappointment has left me ill-prepared to move forward. Others have expressed these same feelings as friends, co-workers, and strangers lament their loss without consolation. Some have expressed anger over the way things were handled. Some are unable yet to talk about their feelings, while others are beginning to reflect on all that has happened with a big picture perspective. A few are looking forward to better days, believing this recent loss will give way to future victory.

It was one week ago tonight that our Washington Nationals blew a 6-0 lead, eventually losing to the St, Louis Cardinals 7-5 in the fifth and deciding game of their playoff series. The Nationals had the best record in Major League Baseball, but it wasn't enough. They had clutch hitting, talented pitching, capable management, and a growing, loyal fan base. All of that, however, couldn't keep the Cardinals from scoring the winning runs in the ninth inning and sending our Nationals home earlier than any of us anticipated.

I haven't been able to watch the baseball playoffs since then...there's just no joy in it. There were such high hopes, such big plans, such good will established. Davy Johnson may win manager of the year; Bryce Harper may win Rookie of the Year; Gio Gonzalez may be crowned Cy Young winner, but each of them, and probably all of us fans, would trade those personal accolades for World Series wins.

Life is full of disappointment. Some pass quickly, some linger longer, and others mark our lives for a long time. Most of us will get over the game five loss to the Cardinals, particularly in light of the promise of next season and with time to reflect on the fact that this season's success was not really anticipated.

How do you handle disappointment? Obviously, some disappointments are more difficult to overcome than others. The game of baseball for most of us is a distraction, a seasonal passion that comes and goes. Our everyday experiences touch us where we live, worship, and work. Writing about some of the struggles and disappointments faced by the church in Rome, the apostle Paul says, "We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts. He gave us his love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us." We may not think about our disappointments as opportunities for learning and growth. The pain often seems too great. And yet, some of the greatest work that is done within us comes about in our struggles. So, whatever your disappointment, remember that patience produces character, character produces hope...hope in the living God that does not disappoint.

Well, there is new excitement about another team in town these days. The RG III-led Redskins are raising the hopes of many fans in the region. Surely they won't disappoint us as well. Better keep Paul's words close by for perspective.

Jim Abernathy