I was 9. It was my second year of organized baseball. Back then there was no such thing as “T” ball or coach pitch. The only time the coach pitched was during practice so every boy would get a chance to hit. Little League started at Age 8 back then and I wanted to play. There were 2 divisions-the Farm Team and the Major Team.  I was on the Farm Team at age 9. I would move up to the Major Team as a 10 year old and that allowed me to play both (with limited innings for any given week). Sort of like JV ball today.  I eventually locked into pitching and playing first base. I was fairly tall and very lanky and could stretch. Anyway, at 9 I played second base. One game a screaming liner came off the bat of a 10 year old; I jumped up and caught it. Unbelievable!!  I was excited. My teammates were excited. My coach was excited. It was every kid’s dream.

Dad worked from 3-11 and so mom would load us in the car then go pick him up at a designated place where he had been dropped off.  That night I could not sleep. I wanted to tell dad about my amazing catch in detail.  He was a little surprised I was in the back seat wide awake, but after he heard my story he understood why.

A couple of lessons play in my head, even as I think of that incident 58 years ago. (For you mathematically-challenged that makes me 67). 🙂 

1. I wanted my dad’s approval. Even though I didn’t understand it back then, having his approval and knowing he was proud of me was important. Sadly, as I look back now, sports was my way of gaining that.
2. I was so excited about something I couldn’t contain my excitement and couldn’t wait to tell someone else.

I think you can see the application without me delineating it for you. “Father, I want You to be pleased with me. I want your approval of all I think, say, and do. I want to sense your pleasure, see Your smile, know your hug, and gain a virtual “high 5.” I should also be so excited about Your story, my story, that I want to let it be known. May both be true today and always.”