Grab The Bat & Swing

I’m sitting here, watching a Junior Olympic Cup Tournament played in my area (softball).  Actually, the main reason I’m here is to see a forever friend umpire.  She’s amazing.  She’s the UIC of Delaware, umpired in China last year, is in the Softball Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, and has umpired countless tournaments & nationals all over the USA.  So, I’m here to see her.  But watching games got me thinking about this grief journey.

Just like these softball games, the grief journey has times it goes faster than others.  How frustrating when it seems like we keep striking out.  But bravely we walk up to bat and swing again.

There are wonderful people in the stands cheering us on.  We desperately need them.  Without them, we might never try for a home run or even a base hit.  We might opt to sit on the bench.  But our peeps in the stands help us believe we have greatness somewhere inside. 

So many times we make it to third base, only to realize it’s now a 3 out count and we are on defense again.  We put our glove on and walk out on the field.  It’s time to knock the opposition out handing them their own 3 out count. 

But the big question remains – – How many innings till the end of the game?  No one really knows except the Great Coach.  He comforts us and encourages us to keep going, keep swinging, be brave and stay in the game.  In my own game, He’s the reason I’m seeing more base hits, more home runs.  I still strike out, but He lets me know it’s OK.  All I ever have to do is my best.  The rest will roll however it’s supposed to roll. 

Every ball player knows this.  You MUST do your best.  If you do, there’s no regret.  Strike out or home run.

Somehow we will win this thing – – unless we give up and decide to sit on the bench.

I know……….I know………..the bench is comfortable and there are certainly times we end up there………..for awhile.  But we can’t stay there.  We have to grab the bat and swing.

So if you are thinking about picking up the bat – – – – DO !!!   Be brave – – – -Go for it – – Listen for a cheer from your peeps in the stands – – – -Listen to the Great Coach say, ” You can do this!!  I’m with you the whole way! “