Who

There are a lot of “who’s” in life.  One famous skit was Who’s On First with Abbott and Costello:

 

Abbott: Who’s on first, What’s on second, I Don’t Know is on third.

Costello: You know the fellows’ names?

Abbott:  Yes

Costello: Well, then who’s playing first?

Abbott: Who

Costello: I mean the fellow’s name on first base.

Abbott: Who

Costello: The fellow playing first base?

Abbott: Who

Costello: The guy on first base.

Abbott: Who is on first.

Costello: Well, what are you are asking me for?

Abbott: I’m not asking you – I’m telling you. Who is on first.

Costello: I’’m asking you – who’s on first?

Abbott: That’s the man’s name.

 

Actually, “Who” can get pretty confusing depending on Who you are talking about or in trying to figure out "who" someone really is.   

 

Who? 

 

Who am I?

An enemy of one or apple of another’s eye! 

Often sweet with a dash of conceit;

Sour as lemon juice for which some have no use!

Sensible, considerate, then cruel and acting a fool;

Obedient but with a rebellious ingredient. 

Happy then sad, living both good and bad!

Who?

Forgiving, but bitter-cold as winter! 

In the living, broken with wicked thoughts unspoken!

Sometimes caring, then in a moment gossip airing!  

Sin within this flesh renews each day afresh.

Absorbed in misery of self and ego, 

Who? 

Is what most wish to know.

Who could love one such as I?

Who will stop and not pass on by?

Who? 

One with a heart set on me;

One observing what no one else can see;

One full of mercy and grace

ready to love my ever-changing face;

One holding nothing back- 

On track, 

Ready to die.

That’s who will love one such as I.

 

Mary Crisp Jameson 12/5/2021

 

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).”  Ephesians 2:4-5

 

 

 

 

Who's On First?

   As I was sitting under  "A Friendly Shade" I thought  back to my basketball days and how competitive I was and, must admit, still am in certain areas of my life.  Most people will agree   that sports is highly competitive.  In fact, many extremely talented players find, at some point in their lives, they dream of making it to the "big league." 

     As I thought about sports, I remembered how faithful my dad was in supporting and following my team to every game.  However, his favorite sports was baseball.  Not only did he watch baseball, but one of his favorite comedy shows was Abbot and Costello.  I remember, so well, one of their most popular episodes which started out with "Who's on first?"  and how the dialogue went full circle with Costello never understanding the names of the players.   Turns out Who was on first base, What was on second, and I Don't Know was on third.  They finally wrap it up with, "Same as You!  I throw the ball to Who. Whoever it is drops the ball and the guy runs to second. Who picks up the ball and throws it to What. What throws it to I Don't Know. I Don't Know throws it back to Tomorrow, Triple play. Another guy gets up and hits a long fly ball to Because. Why? I don't know! He's on third...!"!
     Thinking about all this I suddenly realized that baseball is kind of like life.  We step up to the batter's plate in hopes of feeling that cracking sound as the bat connects with the ball, sending it outside the playing field to score a home run.  Often it turns out that we can only bunt to get to first base, then become fortunate enough to steal second base, running with all our might to third base, and finally skid into home plate.  The problem is that we often take our attitudes, hard feelings, and 'feel sorry for me' traits along with us.  However, there is always another chance at the batter's plate.  We  may never quite hit the home run that we dream about.  We may strike out, we may hit a foul ball, we may fall and get tagged out, but with God in our life, pitching for us, we can skid into home base and hear the crowd as it goes wild.    
     I can picture my career now!  I am standing on home plate.  I am about to hear, "Strike three, you're out!" so I bunt and run with mustard seed faith hoping, all the while, to hear the booming sound of the umpire as he calls out, "Safe."  Then I wait.  I slip away from first, but I see the error I am about to make and quickly return before the pitcher attempts to throw the ball, and Who, which is on first, tags me out.  This time I wait until  another team mate helps me out by solidity swinging the bat sending the ball far into left field. With faith I run, not stopping at second but on around to third and skid into home plate creating a cloud of dust that turns into a miraculous home run.  Out of the dust, I feel a presence.  Someone is lifting me up!  The crowd cheers! Nothing can silent the hoorays and applause.  There is pandemonium in the stands!