First pitch is coming!

It seems like every year I can't wait for the first pitch (baseball that is). I was even asked just today if I was ready. The answer should be without hesitation YES! However first pitch this year means that it's another son's first pitch of his final season of college ball so it seems the sooner it starts the sooner it ends. But, yes I'm excited it's just a little bittersweet. North Greenville University opens their season this week and John is a senior this year. I think it's actually gone faster than the high school years if that's possible. It's also the first year I won't (probably) see John hold down 1st base or take a swing. He's much more ok with that than his mom but he chose to focus more on pitching and it's extremely hard, and draining, to do all of that at this level though he's done it extremely well! 

There have been some nerve wracking moments and games, none more than when he was at bat with the game on the line or even more taking the mound, men on base, at times loaded, no outs, or few outs, and everything on the line. For John, he's cool as a cucumber, me, not so much. He's never been one to not care about giving up runs as long as they weren't his. He gets much more angry at himself for giving up another teammates runs than his own. He's a team player all the way through. 

Some people say there's no crying in baseball but I can tell you I've cried many tears over baseball, some good tears, some very sad. Baseball has brought more fun, taught not only my boys many life lessons, but their parents as well. And there will be many tears when it's all over. I'm sure, like his brother, he's more prepared for the next season of life than I am. Whatever that next season is, I know John will be ready and will work at it just as hard as he's worked on the field. He knows God has a plan and He will bring it about and it will be for his good. He will use many of those life lessons he's learned from baseball the rest of his life:working with others to accomplish a goal, getting along with those who may not be like you or may not like you, respect, putting losses behind, keeping your eye on the prize, hard work, motivating others and on and on and on! 

John, there are critics in baseball and life, allow the criticism to motivate you and listen to only those voices who know what they're actually talking about. You know there's fair weather fans in every area of life, know who you can trust and partner with those who bring out the best in you and will stay in the trenches with you. I heard recently that you need to choose friends who won't just ride with you in the limousine but they'll ride on the bus with you. Those are hard to find, but they're out there. And they're worth searching for. 

As for now, enjoy your senior season! Work hard! Leave the game, and every game, without regrets. Never leave thinking you could've given more! Stay humble! And keep believing that you are there for so much more! It's a platform not for yourself, not to draw others to yourself, but to give you a way to testify to God's goodness and faithfulness. That platform will be with you forever and open doors with people and opportunities you never dreamed possible. 

Now go and have fun playing the game!