A Tough Loss...A Joyful Ending

Our little guys lost again last night after carrying a lead into the last inning of the game. We had our best pitcher on the mound and he just couldn't get it going. Those are tough nights because the kids get so down on themselves. I know he was giving his best effort but it just wasn't working for him last night. My son has had the opportunity to be a hero at the end of the last two games and hasn't been able to get the big hit. It seems the shortstop or 2nd baseman is standing in the way. As coaches, we just want to see the kids succeed, to enjoy the game and have fun. We coach them to try and do everything with perfection but in the end, we just want them to work hard so they can play their best and enjoy what they are doing. It's the joy of the laughter in the dugout or on the practice field that makes it special.

At the end of the game, we saw a great deal of joy from the other team. They had a boy who is developmentally disabled in some way. I don't know what it was but after the game, he gets a bat and goes to the plate. One of the players on the team tosses him a ball to hit and when he hits it, he runs for the bases. The players all "do their best" to catch the ball while kicking it, dropping it and making a comedy of errors while the other youngster rounded the bases finally crossing home plate just as the ball was getting there. There fans cheered, our fans cheered, our kids stood and watched with smiles on the faces as this youngster, not being able to get out and play competitively, had his moment to shine.

What an incredible joy. What a beautiful lesson. I hope I will remember to serve as those youngsters served that young boy. I hope I will help others see and know the joy that I have in being a child of God, a sinner saved by the mercy of Christ's sacrifice.