Our Stories
The Foundation of It All
By Aaron Soderlund | posted 07/03/2008
"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:11
I felt it from the first sign that I saw that read, "Cooperstown, 1 Mile". Taking that exit and another 17 miles north off of the highway I continued to feel it a little more with each mile closer. Until I saw another sign that read, "Village of Cooperstown". I had made it.
An excitement that is hard to describe overcame the four hours of driving that morning. Overcame the jet lag and four hours of sleep I was operating on. I became increasingly giddier as I drove past what seemed like a compound of baseball fields to the right. Suddenly the stresses of life went away.
This little village of Cooperstown, NY is said to be where the game of baseball was invented. Where in the mid-1800's, a man named Abner Doubleday sat down under a tree while his friends played a game of ball and created rules, albeit a bit different than what we know now, to a game that has affected the lives of almost every American since. A game called baseball.
To the right as we drive through town, we park in an open parking lot only to see Doubleday Field at the other end of it. A baseball field made in honor of the man who created its game. A couple blocks down the street, past restaurants and shops, all of which are centered around Abner's game, is the place that for years I have dreamed of going. The Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Four hours north of the bustle of New York City, lies this quiet, serene little village that houses all the baseball history you could possibly imagine and even more that you can't. Records, trophies, old jerseys and gloves. Videos and photos of legends that I've only heard about. Books and plaques honoring those that have excelled in the game since it's 'birth'. This is the place 'where it all began.'
Immediately entering the little village of Cooperstown I could feel all of the memories I have of baseball become more complete. It was as if I had been missing part of the foundation of baseball all of these years and it was now completing itself. It gave my memories perspective.
On my drive home, I thought to myself, imagine going to Jerusalem, Ceserea Phillipi, Bethlehem, Israel, and to the Sea of Galilee. Forget Babe Ruth and Willie Mays, we're talking Jesus! To stand on the shores where Jesus spoke. To walk on the roads between villages. That would be amazing. To see ruins of places that have shaped our faith and our lives. To see a sign that says, "Road to Damascus, 1 Mile". I mean, honestly. Imagine the perspective that would give.
As I was thinking about that in the context of my visit that day to Cooperstown, I felt God tell me, "Your perspective and foundation are already complete. Believe it or not, I'm stronger, deeper and fuller than baseball." Granted, someday I do hope to go see 'the Holy land' of Israel, but God has given me all the foundation that I need for my life. The amazing thing about faith is that it's so strong without having been seen.
I know Cooperstown is in New York. Two weeks ago I went there. But I also know that it's been proven that Abner Doubleday was not in Cooperstown, but rather at West Point when it's said this game was invented. He was also said to have denied ever 'inventing' such a game. Some foundation, huh? It's a foundation that is centered around a legend, a myth. Not truth.
I know every day that my foundation in Jesus is a true, real, deep foundation. I can feel it when I pray. I can feel it when I actually stop to listen to him. I know it in the deepest parts of me. And I knew it when he reminded me again on my drive away from Cooperstown that day. My rock and my foundation. I don't need to go anywhere to know that.
To respond to this message, email Aaron at aaron@windermere.com.
