Grace & Class

So, have you heard the Armando Galarraga story from Wednesday night? Galarraga is a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers and was closing in on a perfect game (no hits/no runners) when an umpire blew a call on what should have been the final out of the game on a close play at first base.

It was an excruciating experience for Armando, the Detroit players, coaches, and fans, but what was remarkable was Armando's response to the situation. He grinned in disbelief (instead of cursing and questioning the umpire's heritage) and after the game told reporters that it was OK - everyone makes mistakes. He handled a disappointing circumstance with uncommon grace and class.

Couldn't help but think of the ultimate example of unmerited forgiveness that Jesus freely offers and that so often is not modeled by those of us who claim to be His followers. Ever been to a church league basketball or softball game when an official or umpire makes a mistake? Yikes! It can be pretty awful.

Armando, thanks so much for such a compelling example of forgiveness and for keeping the bigger picture in mind. Hope I will do the same and provide a similar example the next time disappointment catches me by surprise.