When the Lights Come On – Baseball in Rock Park

Focus Scripture

“As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” – John 9:4

Thoughts

As a kid growing up in Flint, Michigan, some of the best summer days were spent playing baseball at Rock Park. The tree was first base, the large rock was second base, the crack of the bat, the smell of the grass, the laughter of friends, and the dust rising off the diamond—all of it created moments you never wanted to end.

We didn’t have schedules, scoreboards, or uniforms. Just gloves that had seen better days and dreams bigger than the outfield fence. In our case, we used the street as "our fence" and played until the sun began to fade and the streetlights flickered on—our cue it was time to head home.

Even though we hated to leave, there was something comforting about that signal. The lights meant someone was waiting for us. For me, my parents, Ted and Maureen Klein.

Home was calling.

That childhood memory reminds me of a deeper spiritual truth: life is like a long summer day. We run, laugh, work, play, and sometimes get lost in the moments. But just like those streetlights in Flint, there comes a time when the lights come on—and it’s time to go Home.

In John 9:4, Jesus said, “As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work.”

There’s a season for running the bases, for building friendships, for living out our faith in this world. But there’s also a time when the Father calls us home—when our race is over, and our name is called from the dugout.

Paul knew this well. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness...”

Life Application

Whether you're still in the game or nearing the end of your innings, let today remind you:

• Enjoy the season you’re in – build godly friendships, love deeply, laugh loudly.

  
  

• Play with purpose – use your gifts to glorify God in every inning of life.

  
  

• Stay ready to go home – not in fear, but in confidence, knowing that when the lights come on, your Father is waiting.

Hebrews 13:14 says, “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.”

So whether you’re in the batter’s box or just rounding third, don’t forget—when the lights come on, there’s a Home waiting that’s far better than we can imagine.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the memories that shaped us and the friends who ran the bases beside us. Help me live with joy and purpose, knowing my time here is not forever. When the lights come on, may I be found ready, faithful, joyful, and eager to see You face-to-face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.