Years ago, I had the privilege of having dinner with Rich Hofman. Who is Rich Hofman? You may or may not know that name, but you certainly have heard of one of the greatest players he ever coached–Alex Rodriguez. Hofman was A-Rod’s high school coach. In full disclosure, Hofman didn’t invite me to dinner. I was a tagalong. Regardless, the experience was great and I enjoyed listening to such an accomplished coach.
Being in the presence of someone great in your field can be awe-inspiring and humbling. We’ve all been there. Yet, here’s something to remember, even about those you admire and even idolize: Proverbs 30:4.
“Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son–if you know?” (HCSB)
You see, as incredible as Rich Hofman is as a high school baseball coach, he isn’t God. Now, I don’t mean to insinuate that Hofman made me think he believes he is God. He seemed like a good guy. But, many of us look at people like that as being just a notch above everyone else. Many achieve such status and begin to think they have taken a step up to a place where no one should question them. This is hard as a coach or as a player, especially if you are particularly good at what you do.
Yet, none of us is the answer to the questions posed in Proverbs 30:4. Not you. Not me. We have not gone up to heaven and come down. We don’t hold the wind in our hands. We don’t bind up the waters (oceans) in our jacket pocket. None of us. God alone is the answer to each of those questions.
When you consider God’s greatness and magnitude, it makes even our greatest accomplishments small by comparison. Yet, when you consider the love and grace of God toward us, in spite of our smallness, well, there are few words to describe that.
You and I may never reach the level of a Rich Hofman. But don’t worry. That level isn’t any closer to God. His love for you never changes, even if you never win a game. Even if you strikeout every time to the plate. Even if you never amount to anything in your eyes. In God’s eyes, you are loved and valued just because He created you. Don’t worry about trying to be like Rich Hofman. Just receive the grace and love of God. It’s enough.
Here’s a prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you that my success or failure as a coach/player doesn’t change how you feel about me. Thanks for loving me. Thanks for your grace to forgive my sin. You are God. I am not. Help me to live daily with that perspective. Amen.
