1 Corinthians 9:24,"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."

My Dad – The Shortstop

My dad, Stan Droogsma, is still playing softball at 81 years of age.  He plays about 100 games a year and travels around the USA competing.  This is so amazing and so indicative of his spiritual life.  Let me share with you why.

Dad always seems to play the critical positions, like shortstop in softball.  In his life he has always been willing to take on the things God has put in front of him.  He has taught the Bible in many settings, from Sunday School classes to preaching from the pulpit when called on.  He has been in many leadership positions too, when God called him to them.  He is always willing to serve.

Dad is always ready to swing the bat.  Late in life, God has brought dad many opportunities to share the hope of Jesus with other men who didn’t yet know of that hope.  God used dad to love on those guys and tell them about Jesus.  Several have made decisions to become Christ followers.  Now God is using dad to mentor men and couples who are in crisis.  Dad doesn’t have all the answers for them, but he knows who to point them to for the answers!

Dad always runs hard to first base.  In life, like in softball, we don't always hit the ball hard.  Sometimes, in fact, we hit the ball softly.  Dad has had many such times where he did not hit the ball hard, but he always runs hard to first base.  This means taking responsibility for his mistakes, loving others no matter what and always staying strong in the Lord.

Dad always is running for home plate.  Dad knows what his main goal in life is, running for God and his eternal reward of Heaven.  Dad never loses sight of why he is here on earth---to bring glory to God, to love God and love others, and one day worship God in eternity.

My crazy and amazing father, still in the game at 81years of age and still playing softball, too!   

I love you dad,

 Jeff