As I sat by the pool my mind went crazy. The pool was full of little boys I'd say ranging in age from probably 7 to maybe 10 or 11. They were playing baseball with the spongey balls, hitting them then swimming to bases. My boys played that game 1000 times over the years. When mine were that age I used to wonder all kinds of things. I used to wonder things like, how long will they want to play this game? How good will they be? What position will they like?
Well they've played a long time, their mom thinks they're pretty good and they both love to pitch and John loves 1st n hitting too. Stephen even mentioned the other day that it will be the first time he will set his own schedule, no coach telling him when to be where and what to do during workouts. It's gonna be an adjustment. Baseball has definitely set the schedule and the pace for many years for them.
They're both very fortunate to still love the game and get to play that game through college. We always preached to not take it for granted, to enjoy it and play it like it's your last game because you never know, respect the game. We talked lots about how it's a privilege and to appreciate the opportunity.
I could write a book on lessons we've all learned through this game. God wastes nothing and I'm so thankful that He's used it to teach life lessons to my boys since so much of their time has been spent on the field. He's taught them that failure isn't permanent. You can learn as much from failure as moments of victory even if it's not fun. He's taught them to set goals and work toward them. They know what it means to work with a team and how to encourage others and pick others up. They know you can do more as a team than as an individual. Individual stats don't win championships. Being a team accomplishes the dream!!
God has brought so many people into all of our lives thanks to this game. People who have made their mark and made huge deposits that will last a lifetime. Life is about investing in others. They know the world doesn't revolve around them and it won't stop rotating because they get hurt, go in a slump, take a loss, get a win, or become MVP. Our culture is so obsessed with sports they've had opportunities to show that it's not their god no matter how much they love it. It's a much bigger world than that but it does serve as a platform, not to promote self but to show what truly matters.
We are so thankful that they've played for a Hall of Fame coach who professes Christ, who shoots straight with them, who gave them an opportunity to play, and recognized their character and applauded it. They've also seen the ugly side of recruiting where lies are told, promises are made with no intent of follow through, and the good guys don't always play. They've won a lot of games. They went to the pinnacle of high school ball by playing in the state championship and they won a lot in junior college and got to go to the juco World Series. They've played alongside some amazing talent and played with lifelong and what will be lifelong friends. They've learned great lessons from coaches who were great leaders and they've learned from bad leadership and what not to do. God has woven amazing gospel lessons through the game of baseball about how to treat others, honor and respect, forgiveness and the importance of God 1st, then family and friends, and then self. They've seen the importance of giving people another chance and believing in them. I wouldn't take anything for the hours spent sitting by the field and all God has shown us about ourselves even if it's not pretty stuff. He's shown me how overly competitive I am, how unforgiving I can be, how quickly my mama claws can come out, and how when it's over it really is over so just move on.
So many people may not get it.Unless you've lived it I would never expect you to. But it's a wonderful life for us and we've seen God do some amazing things through it. He's answered prayers and He's shown my boys He's in control and places them where He chooses and it's always for their good. He has a plan and He is the one who brings it to pass even in baseball.
I kinda sorta believe that if Jesus was walking the earth in the flesh now, we could probably find Him hanging around the diamond. After all, that's where a lot of people spend their time. And I think He'd be cheering and yelling for everyone to work hard, give their best, back up their teammates and keep their head up! He may even yell at em to "learn something"!! 😄
1 comment:
Tony and i love this Dawn. Everything you said its so true and is exactly how we feel. I couldn't stop crying after I read it. Thank you!
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