“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21
Baseball is one of my favorite sports. It takes great skill to play the game at a high level. The speed of the game and the competitive spirit of the athletes makes it one of the greatest sports of all time. Baseball also provides us with many moments of great sportsmanship that shows what being a good neighbor and building a better world is truly about.
One such example is Weston “Wammer” Mazey and the kindness that was shown to Weston and his family. Weston was a freshman baseball player for his high school in Morgantown, West Virginia. Weston is from a baseball family. Weston’s dad is the head baseball coach for the University of West Virginia. During a game last year, Weston collided with player from another team. It was a serious collision and caused significant injuries to Weston. In just one moment Weston received a broken nose, broken bones in his face, and a traumatic brain injury.
Weston spent six days in the local ICU and was sent to Atlanta to work on his recovery. It was a long journey to recovery. The young athlete worked hard. With the support of the people of Shepherd Center, a rehabilitation center for spinal and brain injury, Weston has made significant progress. He is even now back to the baseball diamond.
While in the rehab facility, Weston and his family made the decision to help the people who had helped him. They set a goal of raising $100,000 to give back to the rehab facility for research and other families who were experiencing similar situations. They launched “Team Wammer.” Before long, friends, family and baseball fans around the country were contributing to Team Wammer. They quickly passed their goal of $100,000. Soon, even opposing teams in the Big XII were making contributions. In just a few months, they raised almost $150,000. All this work to raise money with the plan to give it away and bless others!
Like the Mazey family, we all experience unexpected trials. Difficulties will be part of our lives. It is how we respond that makes a difference in the world. Often, trials will open our hearts to feel the burdens of others and open our eyes to see the struggles of our neighbors. The Mazey family experienced trauma and, during recovery, found a way to help others. We too can look to the needs of others, even in the midst of our trials.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
