Recently I watched a little league ballgame and was amazed at their playing ability, willingness to learn and genuine love of the game. But what most fascinated me was the life lesson which these young youths were exposed.
As an observer I witnessed how being afraid of the ball thwarted one’s ability to participate fully, as did one’s fear of making a mistake. I also saw how listening to the coach’s direction gave the youngsters confidence and often resulted in a positive outcome.
The resilience of these young people was impressive to me. They seemed to quickly shake off an error or an out, exhibiting tremendous focus in the game. There was an occasional batter who would shy away from the ball, because he had been hit in the past. Each time the coach instructed him to step closer to the base he obliged until the next pitch then he would return to what he felt was a safe distance from the base. As expected he struck out each time at bat.
It became obvious that fear was debilitating and fixating on errors removed their focus, but when they stayed alert and mentally present they played an exciting game. We too, in our everyday life, must move beyond our fears and mistakes. Fixating on our shortcomings or past mistakes robs us of our full potential.
Undoubtedly we will and do make mistakes along the way but we must deal with them, learn from them, and move on. We cannot dwell on past mistakes or hurts, nor should we live with regrets. Everyone, and I mean everyone, has experienced highs and lows in life, one day a hero the next day a zero. Allow yourself to be human. Our past experiences do not define us—instead they have the ability to refine us.
Baseball is a team sport, and requires every player to play to his ability, whether it’s defensively fielding the infield or outfield or offensively batting. The success of a team (society/community/family) is the culmination of each individual’s performance. Similarly our actions and attitudes either benefit or burden society. We, like ballplayers, must keep our head in the game, have a genuine respect and love for the game and our teammates, strive to minimize our errors (mistakes), look at each at bat as an opportunity (hits=lessons), and parlay the hits into runs (success). Perhaps the parallels between baseball and life explain why baseball is America’s favorite pastime.
Upcoming events:
The VHS Alumni softball tournament starts tonight and continues on through Sunday evening.
Mark your calendars for the Darke County Right to Life Community Sale which will be held at the Versailles K of C Hall beginning Aug. 17 from 5-8 p.m., continuing Thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and ending Friday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Donations can be dropped off Aug. 15 and 16 from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the hall or by calling Marlene at 419/582-2007.
Aug. 20 is Farefest and don’t forget to pre-register for the Sunshine 5K Run/Walk under “Team Addie Girl” by Sept. 7. Remember you can participate in the event or simply donate the $15 registration fee which will benefit the Dayton Children’s Hospital Oncology Unit. Register at www.goodtimesraces.com or www.darkecountyfoundation.org. For more information, you may contact Rebecca Shumaker at 564-8353.
The Miss America Pageant will be televised on ABC, on Sept. 11, with Miss Ohio Alice Magoto, daughter of Michael and Diane Magoto of Cincinnati and granddaughter of Norbert John and Martha Magoto of Russia vying for the title.
Happy birthday Vicki Redinbaugh Pam Eyink, Karen Luthman, Mitch Eiting, Kristenne Kayler, Scottie Barga, Wilma Heiby, Lacey Lewis, and Kristen Collins as their birthdays approach as well as, anniversary wishes to Marti and Todd Phelan (?), Missy and Todd Voisard (25), Gloria and Tim McGlothin (36), Jann and Mike Unger (41), Rebecca and Richard Shumaker (46), Joyce and Bill Luthman (60), and Shirley and Don Slyder (63). Hello to Lynn Keller, Lois Youngker and Beverly Rhoades, Linda and Pastor David Wilson.
Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Linda Henry, Pete Ecabert, Levadia Barga, Susan Crocker, Patty Jenkinson, Bob Homan (cancer), Jeanne Simon, Paul Cordonnier, Jack Borgerding, Dave Flatter, Norma Raterman, Noah Evans, Linda Wilson, Adam Schwieterman, Lois Youngker, Delores Williams, Sam Yagle, Barb Goubeaux, Jan Turner, David Zumberger, Brian Voisard, Cyril Frantz, Dan Monnin, Michelle Ullom, John Davis, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Barb Agne, Samantha Smith, and all those who are sick, suffering, hospitalized or homebound.
Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Georgianna Kemper (74) and Kathleen Heuing (82), also fondly and respectfully remembering the lives of Alice Kissinger, Hoppy Schrader, Butch George, David Armstrong and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing approaches.
“The capacity to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill, and the willingness to learn is a choice.” ~Unknown
“you always pass failure on the way to success.”~Mickey Rooney
“we are all one, only egos, beliefs, and fears separate us.” ~Unknown
