Rock Park: When the Lights Come On

Focused Scripture: 

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

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. 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.” - John 9:4

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:

Life has its innings, some filled with triumph, others marked by errors, and a few where we just try to make contact and stay in the game. Like those long summer days at Rock Park, each season of our lives carries lessons from the field. When we are young, the game feels endless. We think the daylight will last forever, that the laughter will echo down the street long after the sun sets. But as we grow older, we start to understand that the flicker of the streetlights, those subtle reminders of time passing are not something to fear. They are invitations to reflect, to rest, and to prepare for what comes next.

Enjoy the season you’re in. Build godly friendships that encourage you when life throws a curveball. Laugh loudly, forgive easily, and remember that the small moments matter. God places people in our lives for a reason, just as He placed teammates on that dusty diamond in Flint. Every conversation, every shared prayer, every act of kindness is a base hit in the game of faith.

Play with purpose. Use the gifts God has given you to glorify Him right where you are. Whether you are coaching others in their faith, raising your family, or serving quietly behind the scenes, your obedience is never wasted. Colossians 3:23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” The Lord is not watching for perfection; He is watching for faithfulness.

Stay ready to go home. The older we get, the more we realize that the lights will come on someday for each of us. That moment does not have to bring fear, but rather peace and anticipation. For believers, the lights are not the end of the game; they are the signal that the best part is about to begin. Like those childhood evenings when I ran home to parents waiting with open arms, we can rest assured that when our time here is done, our Heavenly Father will be waiting at the door, ready to welcome us home.

So, live with joy, walk with purpose, and keep your eyes on the horizon. The light that calls us home is not one of ending, but of everlasting beginning. 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.

Closing 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.