Visiting the Bat Factory

This past week I had the opportunity to spend a few days attending meetings at the Louisville Institute in Louisville, Kentucky.  Just about all of my time was spent at the conference center just outside of the city.  On my final day, however, I had a few hours before having to catch my flight.  That being the case, I, along with another conference participant, visited the Louisville Slugger bat factory and museum. 

Although the museum was interesting—especially seeing bats used by Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio and holding bats used by Derek Jeter and David Ortiz—I was most interested in how the bats are made.  The whole process is very detailed and precise.  And, I learned something I did not know: every major league baseball player has their bats made specifically according to their preferences.  That is, within the parameters determined by MLB, each player can determine the particular weight of their bat, width of their handle and barrel, whether or not they want the end cupped out, and even the color and kind of finish.  Each player has his bats, made according to what feels best for him and will give him the best results.  Thus, the factory keeps records on the specs for each player’s bat as well as a sample of his bat of choice. 

In the end, each bat made for the MLB players is distinct in some way.  Although to the untrained eye, the bats may all look the same, when more closely inspected and handled one finds that each bat is in some way distinct from the others.  And, the factory makes sure those distinctions are maintained and reproduced. 

The Apostle Paul wrote, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 – NLT)

So often we fall into the trap of trying to be like those around us. We feel as if we need to fit into the mold of another person’s life—especially those whom we consider to be more successful than we are.  But I’m reminded that, like the bats made for the major league baseball players, each of us has been created to be very distinct.  Yes, there are certain parameters (after all we are all created as human beings).  Yet, each of us has been created by God with a whole set of distinctions—physically, emotionally, intellectually, etc.  God has created each of us with a particular set of gifts and talents. And, each of us has a particular purpose to fulfill within his plan. 

Don’t try to live as a replica of someone else’s life.  Allow the distinctions with which God has created you to set you free to be who you are supposed to be and do what you are supposed to do!  God has created you to be just who you are!

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:13-14 – NIV)

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris