Teeball and Stumbling Blocks – June 15

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:97-120; PM Psalm 81, 82
Num. 11:24-33 (34-35); Rom. 1:28-2:11; Matt. 18:1-9

Imagine this scene with me. It is Saturday morning in Alabama. June’s summer heat and humidity are showing up and shining out. Six year olds are on the teeball field, in varying levels of presence. When one is tagged out a first base, his big, big feelings get the better of him. He hurls his helmet to the ground and storms off the playing field. He cries and yells. Six teammates remain on bases and preparing to hit. With a slim crew, each player is needed. This is not the first time that Evan has left mid-game in a huff. Or stumbled on purpose in the game, only to lie on the ground and suspend play.

“This behavior will not stand,” I think to myself, exasperated with this child who is big for his age, and yet emotionally on the brink of explosion. “He must understand that this is not okay behavior,” I say to his mom, who has tried to recover her child, but he has slipped further away to sulk some more. “He cannot keep playing during the game if he does this.” My tone is authoritative. And then, Evan's mom starts crying, “I am doing the best I can.” She walks off in tears.

In moments like this, I do not feel like a very good assistant teeball coach.

As I ponder the teachings of Jesus from Matthew 18 today, I cannot help thinking about Evan and that teeball game.

Jesus warns his friends about the dangers of seeking higher status, as they are asking who is the greatest of all in heaven. Jesus counters, answering a different question; no one will enter heaven unless they become humble like little children, who lack power and live dependent upon others. Those who welcome such a vulnerable child also welcome Jesus (paraphrasing verse 5).

Well…darn. How was I welcoming Evan in that moment? As he cried. As he fumed. Hmph. I am pretty sure Jesus would have pointed out to me that this specific encounter was a space of stumbling – for all of us involved in that moment. And who knows, Jesus may have also thrown his hands up in the air while coaching little kids on a teeball diamond.

The Greek word used for “stumbling block” is skandala, meaning a snare or cause for error. As Jesus talked with his friends, he was looking at the heart of the actions at play. He was warning them against tripping up others, leading them into sinful mindsets. What I take away from the passage from Matthew today is that each of us is called to be aware of the stumbling blocks around us…those we place in front of us and those that we might kick into the paths of others. There are some days we are more able to sort through those stumbling blocks. Other times it feels as if we are upon a field of trips and falls.

So, take a sip of water. Breathe deeply and remember God created all of us in an abundance of love. Allow the compassion of Jesus to move your hands and heart. And may the hope of the Holy Spirit strengthen you in spaces of tension.

Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

What has been a recent stumbling block for you? Who or what has helped you get back into a healthier space?

How do stumbling blocks affect your prayer life?

Daily Challenge

Contemplative prayer is a beautiful spiritual practice. Read more about Evelyn Underhill, a theologian and mystic who reminded all people they could live a life of contemplative prayer.