Curve Balls.

 One of America's favorite sports is baseball. All my boys started playing this game when they were about 4yrs old and the ball was placed on a plastic T for the little guys to hit in place of a pitcher. It is also a nice father-and-son pasttime to put their gloves on and through the ball in the yard.

For those who do not know the game:

 It's a bit like cricket in that the ball is hard, a little bigger than a tennis ball. There is a pitcher and a batter, an opposing team trying to catch the ball once it is hit. There the similarities end.

Baseball bats are round and often made from metal. The field has 3 bases that has to be run to and homeplate from where the batter hits. The ball often bounces back on the batter when hit and, even in professional games, the bat

ter may get hit by the ball. For this reason, they wear helmets.

The pitcher has to deliver the ball over homeplate. It also has to be between the knee and waist of the batter. But with this restrictions the pitcher attempts to make the batter miss or hit bad. If the batter swings at a pitch and misses it is a strike and counts against him.

 Occasionally the pitcher may throw something called a "curve ball". This is accomplished by putting a spin on the ball that makes it fly straight at first but then fly away somewhere else. 

Now that we all understand what a "curve ball" is: 

Sometimes life throws you a curve ball. You are sure it is nothing out of the ordinary and sure you are going to hit it square and solid. But then it bounces up and hits you in the face. It hurts!  The pain is excruciating. You try to right yourself and go on with the game but your mind cannot help searching for "Where did I go wrong", " How did I not see that coming", " I could have, should have done this or that". 

The truth is you could not have seen it coming and nothing you did or did not do, could have prepared you for that curve ball. You only have the option of recovering as best as you can and move on. And yes, the damage may be permanent. Remember, the ball is rock-solid hard. 

BUT do not quit the game!!! 

You have a whole team depending on you. You see, baseball is a team sport. Life is a team sport. You may not see straight right now. You may be hurting more than you think you can stand. But hang in there. The Coach will have it covered. The Coach will know what to do. Just do as He says and keep on going. You are not responsible to figure out the game plan. That is the Coaches job. You just obey Him and go on. 

Yes, it hurts! Go on!

 Yes, you may never recover! Go on!

Yes, you may not see straight right now!

Just, GO ON!

Obey and go on!