“For I know the plans I have for you” — this is the LORD’s declaration — “plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” — Jeremiah 29:11–13
My oldest daughter, Stephanie, graduated from Millard North High School in May 2004. Just a few weeks later, on June 16, 2004, she was a passenger in a car that ran into a tree, and instantly she was taken to be with the Lord. Stephanie was never interested in sports like our other two children, Jacob and Abby, but she did understand that to have a team, you need at least two. She wrote the following poem, "A Team Needs at Least Two,” about a year before she died.
Life’s short, don’t take it for granted; And hopefully it will be enchanted. Live life to the fullest or it will be the dullest; Life’s just great, a thing to appreciate. Sometimes good, sometimes bad; But remember, it’s always in God’s hands. There’s a purpose for everything; It’s all in His plan.
So don’t forget, you must remember; We celebrate His birth towards the end of December. You know where you’re coming from, And He knows where you’re going; So when you feel lost, Call the Lord of all knowing. When you’re feeling bad, or feeling down; Don’t worry, He won’t let you drown. He’ll pick you up and carry you on; And we’ll all rejoice with a joyful song.
‘Cause God will always be there; Whether life’s short or long. I love the Lord, and pray you do too; For every team, you need at least two. — Stephanie Lynn Clark, June 19, 1986–June 16, 2004
1. What team are you on?
2. Are you living a Christ-like life, both on and off the field?
Extra Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:6–8; Hebrews 6:18–19; 1 John 5:4–5
Heavenly Father, Your love is higher than any goal we have ever scored, wider than any sin we have committed, and deeper than any pain that we have felt. We thank You for making the hope we have in You into truth. Amen.