Play Ball!

One summer, Paul coached David’s T-ball team. The four year-old playing second base would routinely fill her pockets with so much dirt, she emitted puffs of dust as she ran to and from the field. Paul once looked up from his clipboard and asked, “Where did they all go?” Apparently, the need to trek to the nearest bathroom was contagious – no one was left in the outfield. Running the bases - in order - turned out to be a more difficult concept to teach than expected. For many parents, it was a first experience with organized sports and sometimes, in their enthusiasm, they (we) said the wrong things at the wrong time in a tone of voice that led to tears. It was a season of learning for everyone, parents and players alike.

For the last game, I made giant cut-out cookies in the shape of baseballs with red licorice lacing. We prepared special award certificates highlighting things we had learned to love about each player. As we gathered to hand out the treats and awards after the game, we heard loud cheers from the opposing team, also celebrating the season’s end. Curious, we looked over to discover the source of their enthusiasm: giant, shiny, engraved trophies. 

Our kids couldn’t look away from those trophies, couldn’t help comparing, couldn’t stop grumbling about the unfairness of it all. The celebration on our side of the field fizzled. As the kids gathered their things, I overheard a parent promise in a too-loud whisper, “Don’t worry. We’ll find you a trophy.” Some of those awesome cookies got left behind.

We don’t have to be four to do this. (I speak for myself here!) We compare ourselves and our lives to others and conclude that our own blessings come up short. Instead of being generous with who we are and what we have, we worry that we are not enough or we don’t have enough. We struggle to rejoice with those who rejoice and keep score instead. We make promises we can't keep. We forget that we belong to each other. 

Thanks goodness, we also don't have to be four to learn and grow. To get carried away, to share a snack, to cheer on a friend, to win or lose gracefully, to apologize, to be generous and grateful without the promise of a reward.

Dear God, 
Give us generous hands and grateful hearts. 
Amen.