Definition: something which is unexpected, surprising, or disruptive
I love baseball!
I love everything about it: stolen bases, 7th inning stretch, bunts, concessions, dugouts, running the bases, outfield, 9 innings, strike outs, home plate, umpires, home runs, bullpen, intentional walking, uniforms, rally caps, pennants, bubble gum, infield, World Series, peanuts, popcorn, cracker jacks, New York Mets, etc. etc. etc.
Baseball is probably one of the things I miss most during this quarantine.
Pitchers in baseball are talented and powerful. Their ability to throw several different types of pitches on command is amazing.
The curve ball is always an interesting sight. Some batters are just more adept at managing their response to a curve ball.
A curve ball in life is an interesting sight, as well. However, they are usually not as exciting to respond to or as enjoyable to receive. Not all of us are adept at managing our response - at least on a consistent basis.
I know we all have received our fair share of curve balls in life. And, I dare say, some more than others. However, each of us usually feels like we are the only one who has received it when we are the batter at the plate and the curve ball is coming at us.
A curve ball can hit us in any area of our life, at any given time.
A curve ball can hit us before we even have a chance to swing. It can feel like a ping pong ball lightly bouncing off of us or a medicine ball hitting us right smack in our stomach.
We can either limp off to first base, fall down, strike out, or send it sailing out of the park.
My response to the curve balls of life is based on my attitude, my preparedness, and most definitely, my faith in God.
However, most of the time I get knocked off my feet because I took my eye off of the ball.
When I am constantly looking up and keeping my focus on God, my feet are planted firmly in my faith.
However, just when I think I've prepared myself to cover all the bases, I am quickly reminded that I have taken my eyes off of God.
Satan is ready to throw the curve ball at me and knock me off of my feet.
And, because my feet weren't firmly planted in my faith in God to cover my bases, instead of me trying to do it alone, I get knocked down.
Sometimes, I take my eyes off of the ball when I am distracted.
Sometimes, I do it after I feel like I've scored a run and I've become too confident.
Sometimes, I do it when I haven't stayed hydrated or immersed in God's teachings.
The reasons why really don't matter because they all cause the same result: I become a target for Satan.
This week, I got hit with a curve ball.
I knew it was possible but it still knocked me off of my feet.
I feel like like I am responding in slow motion. As I am working to refocus and firmly plant my feet again, I do feel a bit dazed.
I have prayed.
But, more than anything, I have worked on refocusing my eyes on God.
He is the ultimate coach, team captain, and even umpire.
I know He will be at home plate ready to assist me no matter the outcome of the game.
And, as I work to hit this curve ball out of the park, I am reminded of the importance of encouragement.
Fans can change the direction of a game.
Be someone's fan.
Be an encourager.
Help someone to keep looking up.
I love baseball!
I love everything about it: stolen bases, 7th inning stretch, bunts, concessions, dugouts, running the bases, outfield, 9 innings, strike outs, home plate, umpires, home runs, bullpen, intentional walking, uniforms, rally caps, pennants, bubble gum, infield, World Series, peanuts, popcorn, cracker jacks, New York Mets, etc. etc. etc.
Baseball is probably one of the things I miss most during this quarantine.
Pitchers in baseball are talented and powerful. Their ability to throw several different types of pitches on command is amazing.
The curve ball is always an interesting sight. Some batters are just more adept at managing their response to a curve ball.
A curve ball in life is an interesting sight, as well. However, they are usually not as exciting to respond to or as enjoyable to receive. Not all of us are adept at managing our response - at least on a consistent basis.
I know we all have received our fair share of curve balls in life. And, I dare say, some more than others. However, each of us usually feels like we are the only one who has received it when we are the batter at the plate and the curve ball is coming at us.
A curve ball can hit us in any area of our life, at any given time.
A curve ball can hit us before we even have a chance to swing. It can feel like a ping pong ball lightly bouncing off of us or a medicine ball hitting us right smack in our stomach.
We can either limp off to first base, fall down, strike out, or send it sailing out of the park.
My response to the curve balls of life is based on my attitude, my preparedness, and most definitely, my faith in God.
However, most of the time I get knocked off my feet because I took my eye off of the ball.
When I am constantly looking up and keeping my focus on God, my feet are planted firmly in my faith.
However, just when I think I've prepared myself to cover all the bases, I am quickly reminded that I have taken my eyes off of God.
Satan is ready to throw the curve ball at me and knock me off of my feet.
And, because my feet weren't firmly planted in my faith in God to cover my bases, instead of me trying to do it alone, I get knocked down.
Sometimes, I take my eyes off of the ball when I am distracted.
Sometimes, I do it after I feel like I've scored a run and I've become too confident.
Sometimes, I do it when I haven't stayed hydrated or immersed in God's teachings.
The reasons why really don't matter because they all cause the same result: I become a target for Satan.
This week, I got hit with a curve ball.
I knew it was possible but it still knocked me off of my feet.
I feel like like I am responding in slow motion. As I am working to refocus and firmly plant my feet again, I do feel a bit dazed.
I have cried.
I have lashed out.
I have rested.
I have rehydrated.I have prayed.
But, more than anything, I have worked on refocusing my eyes on God.
He is the ultimate coach, team captain, and even umpire.
I know He will be at home plate ready to assist me no matter the outcome of the game.
And, as I work to hit this curve ball out of the park, I am reminded of the importance of encouragement.
Fans can change the direction of a game.
Be someone's fan.
Be an encourager.
Help someone to keep looking up.
Help someone knock that curve ball out of the park.
Put on your rally cap and pray for each other.
Jan 💖
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