The Value of Generosity: A 3-Day Marriage PlanIhe Atụ

A Pitcher’s Dream

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25

In 1985, Tim Burke achieved a lifelong dream—in fact, almost every boy’s dream—when he signed to pitch for the Montreal Expos. He quickly proved his worth by setting a record for the most relief appearances by a rookie.

In the years that followed, Tim and his wife, Christine, adopted four children born with serious illnesses or defects. Neither Tim nor Christine was prepared for the tremendous demands such a family would bring. And with a grueling schedule, Tim was seldom around to help.

In 1993, only three months after signing a new, $600,000 contract, Tim decided to retire. When asked about his amazing decision, he said, “Baseball is going to do just fine without me. But I’m the only father my children have.”

You might ask yourselves as a couple, “Does our current lifestyle, and our dreams and goals, fit with God’s desire that we have a generous spirit?” Tim Burke’s generous spirit caused him to give up his career dream, as well as the wealth it brought. Yet in the end, his act will be worth the sacrifice—his marriage and the well‐being of four lives God placed in his care will reap eternal dividends. That’s God’s idea of a brilliant career move!

Just between us . . .

• Have you ever had to give up any of your dreams for someone?

• How do you feel now about those old dreams?

• What new dreams do you have for yourself and for us as a couple?

• How can we help each other achieve them?

Dear Lord, we surrender together whatever selfish dreams or ambitions are keeping us from the larger life You have in mind for us. Show us Your better idea. We want to do Your will with joy and expectation because we trust You. Amen.

Excerpted from Night Light for Couples, used with permission.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Gal. 6:9-10, ESV)

The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. (Titus 3:8, ESV)

“Overcoming the lure of worldly things” (This article from Senior Living Ministries is available on our website.)