Batter up!

My father was a wise man -- some would jokingly say a "wise guy."

He loved his life, his wife and kids -- and wanted the very best for all of us -- but understood and always tried to convey that you had to work and work hard to achieve your goals -- regardless of how large and overwhelming or small, and seemingly insignificant.

No where was this more evident than on a sports field. I am not an athlete, but enjoyed playing sports all through elementary and high school -- even into college. All the Baker kids played sports -- but our family pastime was definitely baseball -- or in the case of me and my sisters, softball.

We all loved to play -- and during different periods of our scholastic careers, both Mom and Dad coached our teams -- or acted as scorekeepers, or umpires. They were involved, always.

Softball was great fun -- we were all good players -- and I almost always played catcher. To this day, I can hold a squat longer than almost anyone else I know -- and used to get in trouble for using just a bit too much 'chatter' behind the plate.

Where I struggled was batting. My Dad would practice with me, throwing balls to me for hours on end. And I would get frustrated at my inability to make significant contact with the ball. And we'd practice and we'd practice.

His favorite refrain -- "Lolly -- swing with your WHOLE body -- not just your arms!" Or "You're swinging with just your arms again -- you're chopping wood!"

And he was right -- that's exactly what I was doing.

In time, I became great at bat -- Oh, I wasn't going to win any college scholarships, but I was solid player - a base hitter - a "Charlie Hustle" as Pop used to say.

And I learned and always remembered that lesson that he taught me in our backyard -- to always give it, regardless of what "it" was -- EVERYTHING you've got.

To this day, I get frustrated with myself -- get really angry at myself -- for not being the best -- strongest, fastest, smartest (pick one or all). For not nailing every ball that comes my way, real or imagined. I hate showing any sign of weakness - even around those for whom I care most.

Some days I catch myself "chopping wood" -- not giving it my all, or feeling sorry for myself.

Some days, even if I do "swing with my entire body" it is simply not enough - some things are outside my control (gasp!).

Those are the hardest days of all.

I am learning, or trying very hard to learn, to allow my new found faith to strengthen me -- to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. To allow HIS strength to pull me up, when I feel like chopping wood.

And I'm getting there.

And if I listen closely I can hear both voices in my head, both my Pop and my heavenly Father, whispering ... batter up!