LOVE FOR THE BABE

A number of years ago I read a story about Babe Ruth, and I hope it's true. One can't always be sure in this age of internet recycling. The story goes something like this:

At the end of his legendary career, Babe Ruth had become overweight and out of shape. During one of his final baseball games, he bungled several fly balls in the outfield and struck out every time he came up to bat. Fans who had known of his once-proud exploits were now laying on hoots and catcalls, mocking this great athlete who had almost single-handedly made baseball our national pastime. Jeers for the man who had hit twice as many home runs as anyone else in the game was quickly becoming an embarrassment.

About then a small boy jumped the railing and ran onto the playing field. Scampering past players and field ushers, he ran over and threw his arms around the legs of the fading athlete. A gently smiling Babe reached down, picked up the boy and hugged him tight. Not surprisingly, the crowd quieted down. Then setting the little fellow down and patting him on the head, the Babe took the boy's hand and led him over to his dugout. Witnesses say he received an ovation in that moment that inspired quite a few tears.

The crowd had been correct in their assessment, of course. Babe Ruth had let much of his athletic prowess go to seed, even more than age might have excused him. Yet a young boy remembered him for who he was. Best of all, he chose to cover over his hero's errors with genuine love.

This is not unlike what marriage, family and even some special friendships are established to be: people saying to each other, “I know you've failed me and disappointed me at times, as I have you. But I'm still going to put my arm around you and tell you, 'I love you.' After all, we're on this journey together.”

I believe the angels in heaven burst into praise when they see people show love like that. In a way, this is what God's love is like for imperfect people. 1 Peter 4:8 tells us, "Keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins." 

In Jesus, God has already done that for you!