I am not much of a baseball fan but I understand the game. I have actively discouraged my sons from playing baseball, because I felt that it was not a true team sport. I always felt that you were either greatly successful or a profound failure….all under the eagle eye of 2 bleachers full of people. Too much pressure. But, I think that basebal is often a great metaphor for life.
In the last few days, I felt like the bases were loaded. I could not take any credit for getting those players on base. they are good players, talented and true play makers. Â I just stood on deck and watched the line up. When it came to my turn at bat, I am so inclined….driven even…..to swing. I am hungry for a hit. I want to smack that ball and watch it fly over the wall, as I take my self-congratulatory trot around the bases. I want to hit all the other runners home. GOLDEN.
As I stand there and watch the pitcher gear up to strike me out, psyche me out…..I barter. I think….ok a base hit will be FINE, a nice bounce to left field with an error and one run comes in. I get a hit. I get some credit. The team gets a run. DECENT.
I finally realize that I actually don’t have to swing at anything. The pitcher is throwing junk. If I can just DO NOTHING, resisting the urge to kill something and get the WALK. Someone comes home. I get on base. The team still scores.
Sometimes, the lesson is not to DO but to NOT do.
Now, who is on First?
Well, that would be you. You are on first. Nice hit! I love you and what a way to express the last few days.