Sometimes in life you need to make choices.  You need to figure the cost and decide what to choose.  Sometimes they are BIG decisions and cost a lot. 

It kind of reminds me of a song that was on the radio about 45 years ago!

(Song)
     "Did you ever have to make up your mind
      Say yes to one and leave the other behind
      It’s not always easy it’s not kind
      Did you ever have to finally decide?"

Well, Barabas and Uncle Floyd have to decide.  It started last week when Barabas and Uncle Floyd went to the school soccer try outs.  Of course, Barabas doesn’t have feet like some of the other players, he has a root beer bottle.  See?!  But, as you can see, he is very good at jumping and using the bottom of the bottle to bump the ball.  He’s really very clever at it!

Barabas was out of breath when he came back to sit with Uncle Floyd.  “I hope they choose me for the team!”

“I reckon they will!  You are really good out there Son!” said Uncle Floyd.

And then on Saturday, the letter came in the mail!  Barabas’s heart was pounding as he and Uncle Floyd opened the envelope.  Uncle Floyd read “We are pleased to inform Barabas Heffelfinger that he has been chosen for the school soccer team.  Attendance at all practices is mandatory.  No exceptions.  Team uniforms and equipment are available at our first practice.  The schedule of practices and games is listed below.”

“Yes!” said Barabas as he raised his arms in a victory jump!  “Yes!” he said again as he punched his fist into his other hand.  Then he looked at Uncle Floyd.  Barabas expected to see Uncle Floyd being really excited too.  But, instead, Uncle Floyd was looking very glum.  He placed the letter on the table and walked over to the window.

“What’s wrong?” said Barabas.

“All the practices are on Sunday mornings at 9:30am.” said Uncle Floyd.

“Church!” thought Barabas.  His heart sank as he quietly waited for Uncle Floyd to figure out a solution.

(Song)
     “Did you ever have to make up your mind?
      Say yes to church and leave the soccer behind?”

“But I really, really, really wanted to play soccer.” pleaded Barabas as he looked at Uncle Floyd.

“I reckon you do Son.” said Uncle Floyd sadly.  “I reckon you do . . .”

Sometimes, being a follower of Jesus means you must make tough choices.  Now, you could say “Why don’t Uncle Floyd and Barabas just go to church at the Saturday night worship with Pastor Brock?  Then he could still play soccer.”   That would actually be a GOOD choice, except Uncle Floyd WORKS at the church every Sunday morning.  He is the sexton, the church custodian!  And Barabas would miss Sunday School every Sunday. 

It was a hard choice to make, but together Uncle Floyd and Barabas knew that it is more important to be at church on Sunday mornings than to go to soccer. 

“If your hearts turn away from God and are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, I declare to you that you shall perish.  Choose life (with God instead.)”  That’s from this morning’s  lesson in Deuteronomy.

Maybe Uncle Floyd can find another soccer opportunity that does not conflict with worship.  THE END

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