A Trip East – Dave Dravecky

August 19, 2016

Recently Jan and I were on a road trip with the Giants, traveling to Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park—two parks that I had never visited before. So along with 200 fans who were part of the Giants Vacation Club, we embarked on this adventure to the East Coast.

 

Experiencing these new cities and new stadiums was incredible. I was overwhelmed each day by the rich history and the beauty of Boston. But my favorite memory from this city was when I was up in the nosebleeds section at Fenway Park, in Red Sox territory, because I was surrounded by 200 Giants fans, dressed in orange and black, screaming, “Let’s go Giants!”

Dave Dravecky at Yankee Stadium

The sweetest moments we have had as we travel are with the people we meet and interact with. Jan and I were able to connect with a few cancer patients on this trip. As we spent time with them, hearing their stories and sharing ours, we could only hope that we were as much an encouragement to them as they were to us.

 

These trips give us opportunities that we otherwise wouldn’t have; we are able to meet people that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to meet. No matter where we go and no matter what we do, it never ends up being about the wonderful place that we see but instead it ends up being about the wonderful people that we meet along the way.

 

It’s my favorite thing to do: Sharing God’s hope and joy with other people. Wherever God brings me and whoever God places in my life, that is where I will serve Him.

 

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” —Galatians 5:13

 

I do miss playing the game. I miss the competition and I miss the camaraderie among the players. The time that teammates spend with each other is really priceless. Looking back, I realize how special it really was and I know that at times I really took it for granted. Though I still stay connected with a number of my old teammates, it’s not the same as being in the locker room with them every day. But the one thing that you never lose from your career is who you become as a person as a result of the game.

 

Cancer was horrible. It ended my career. But what I have learned through the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from cancer I wouldn’t trade for anything. Going through this sickness taught me how to be present in every moment of life. I recognize that I used to always be thinking about the past or the future, never resting in the moment that God had put me in but I’m learning to do that more and more.

Dave and Jan Dravecky at Fenway

I’d rather live a life of significance than a life of success. Many times you will do anything to be successful, but when you’re able to see the value of relationships, you can let go of success and enjoy the most significant things in life instead: People.

 

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” —1 John 4:7

 

In the same way I challenged the Giants fans on this trip, I challenge you: Be fully present in every moment. Don’t miss the story that God’s writing in your life. Live in the moment and cherish it as the gift from God it is.

 

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” —Ephesians 5:15-16

 

—Dave Dravecky

 

Dave Dravecky is a regular contributor to The Increase, providing monthly articles and opinions.

 

Check out Dave’s Increase profile here: http://theincrease.com/author/davedravecky/

 

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