Have you ever had a season when you felt like you were sitting on the bench watching other “players” who had more active roles in the game of life? Did you feel left out and worthless—of little or no value?

Donn and I enjoy watching baseball and over the past few months, the Pittsburgh Pirates have had a plethora of players on the disabled list, including Corey Dickerson. He has been unable to play for so long we’d almost forgotten about him.

Then one evening a rookie who had just hit a home run, ran back to the dugout, hugged Corey and shouted, “I love you, man!” The broadcasters told us the camera man had to wait for the rookie earlier in the day because he and Corey were having an intense discussion in the locker room.

Later in the evening when they interviewed another young player who is having a phenomenal season after a miserable previous year, he said, “Kudos to Corey Dickerson for getting me back on track.” The next day another young player gave credit to Corey for the success he was having.

We were amazed. While Corey was “sitting on the bench,” he was not licking his wounds feeling sorry for himself, he was investing in the lives of young players, helping his team even while unable to play. One of the rookies said, “It’s impossible to place a value on that kind of player. It’s huge.”

So what about us? Can we also choose to invest in the lives of others while “sitting on the bench,” whether due to ill health or simply due to the season we’re in? I believe we can—whether through prayer, words or notes of encouragement, or words of wisdom at a critical time.

Years ago when I was going through a devastating season, an elderly retired pastor, who was mainly “sitting on the bench,” spoke words of encouragement to me at church one day. His words gave me courage to get up and try again. I can’t put a value on the words he spoke and the impact they had on my life, but it was huge.

So if you are in a season of bench sitting, continue to make yourself available to God. Ask Him to show you how you can make a difference in the lives of those who are playing a more active role. Above all, refuse to give in to self-pity because of what you are unable to do.

Father, help us to recognize that we still have value even while “sitting on the bench,” and that you can still use us if we make ourselves available to you. Amen.