I’m excited to welcome Karen Wilson to My Messy Desk today. She and I lived in the same neighborhood growing up and her husband and I have been friends since High School. I selected her for Masterpiece Mondays because of her influence in their daughter’s softball team. I saw a picture of them praying in the dugout before a game and I knew I had to share their incredible story with you! I pray you’ll be encouraged by her words about sharing her faith both on and off the field!
1) What special skills and abilities has God given you? How did you discover them? How are you using them to serve His creation?
Our children play travel softball in both the 10 & under and 12 & under divisions. Our family feels that God has called us to make disciples (Matt 28:19-20; John 20:21) within the softball community in which we play. We show others the love of Jesus through participating in the sport, helping with the teams, sharing personal stories and developing relationships with those around us locally and while traveling with our softball families.
2) How do you ensure that you always give God the glory in your vocation?
We are not ashamed of Jesus. It’s very easy to get “caught up” in the secular world of sports, while surrounded by many non-believers. We are always in danger of taking credit for the gifts and abilities that God has given each us. But we always make sure to give God credit for every success. And when we are struggling, to lean on Him in our times of need. My children even have a “sign” they give when playing. When batting, part of their beginning stance is to point up to the sky. Or when they have gotten on base, looking up to the sky. Sometimes it is just on their own with no outward show of appreciation, but a small prayer of thanks to Him who helps them succeed. But we remind them to never be ashamed to tell others, when others comment on a good play in the field, or a high on-base percentage, that God gets the credit for everything.
3) What MESSY struggles have you overcome along the way?
The hardest part of being part of what is essentially a local mission, it often takes us away from church and/or church activities. And we struggled with the fact that God would call us into a field that make us leave behind a Sunday morning church service or an evening church activity during the week. Although it is not every week, it is often (approximately 12-14 Sundays a year). But through much time spent seeking His will and what direction He wanted us to take, He made it very clear that softball was not going to come to church. So “church” needed to go to softball. So we submitted. And we keep submitting. Because the road is narrow and difficult. (Matt 7:13-14)
4) Do you have any special MEMORIES you call on when you need to boost your confidence?
There have been many. But the one that He continues to lay on my mind happened this past summer. My eight year old made it to the regional and World Series games in the 8 & under division of our leagues softball team. We traveled to Richmond, Virginia and then Jensen Beach, Florida to compete in these tournaments. What started as a small prayer in the dugout led by my daughter turned into an entire team praying for their games prior to each game. I could see God transforming my daughter, encouraging her to trust and rely on Him at the young age of 8 through this experience. It was amazing to see Him work through her to make an impact on her friends and family.
5) What is your definition of success in your area of expertise?
If He says go, then go. If He says turn, then turn. If he says stop, then stop. You will be successful when you fully submit to Him and His plan for your life. Partial obedience is disobedience. Prayerfully consider what He is calling you to do and then do not delay. Do not fear what you do not know and take every step with Him, even if you do not know where you are going yet (Gen 12:1).
Who do you know that's living life like a #MASTERPIECE? Click To Tweet
My name is Karen Wilson and I am a wife, mom, softball taxi, love to cook, disciple-maker and follower of Jesus!
You can find Karen on her blog, Countless Journeys, as well as on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
For more encouragement please join the discussions on these fabulous blog link ups - Suzanne Eller, Thought Provoking Thursday, Susan B. Mead, Faith Filled Friday, Grace and Truth, Faith and Fellowship Friday, Grace and Truth Friday, Good Morning Monday, Soul Survival, Monday Musings, Rah Rah Link Up, Tell His Story, Woman to Woman Wednesday, Women With Intention Wednesday, Sitting Among Friends, Word of God Speak, Testimony Tuesday.
What a beautiful example of living as a believer. We are involved in sports too and this is a great reminder of the good that can come. I love the encouragement/reminder that “You will be successful when you fully submit to Him and His plan for your life. ” Thanks for a great post!
Thank you, Karen, for your witness & your family’s example.
That’s a story that flies in the face of religion, but I guess it’s true that softball won’t come to church so you go to softball. That would be difficult for many Christians to do in the proper balance. Prayers for your harvest field, Karen. Liz, glad to be landing on your site today for #RaRaLinkup!
Karen, what an inspiring, exhorting post. Your story challenges me to be more intentional about the activities we get involved in as a family. I love your heart for discipling and sharing Jesus, and how you’re encouraging your children to do the same!
I have always had so much respect and appreciation for the mums and dads who have coached my kids. I’m completely clueless about sports, and it’s a joy to have others hold that place of special influence in my boys’ lives. What a blessing you are!