Love Baseball

I used to watch my father play baseball. I would curl up and sleep while he watched it on TV. I followed our high-school's baseball team faithfully and dated the catcher. Later, I watched my step-son play. The last two years, I watched my son play tee-ball. This year he is playing baseball...the first two games were this week. I have realized that I begin every Spring watching someone I love play ball. It is a harbinger for me. The air starts to warm, the grass starts to green and I begin to think of the game. I never played, myself...in fact I can't walk and chew gum at the same time. I am a professional watcher. I hardly keep up with the pros any more. I am into watching it in person and having an emotional investment in the team. Last night, my son's team played and it was magic! He plays first base and he caught almost everything hit his way. He and the catcher made several AWESOME plays and when he got up to bat...WOW. The kids is eight years old and I swear, he has a major league swing! It occurred to me, when I heard the sound of his bat hitting the ball with a substantive "THWACK", how much I love watching someone I love play baseball...and play well. I had to find a way to let out a "YELP!". So here it is. "YELP!" Thank you, Lord for the simple joy of watching my little boy play baseball. Thank you for the warm sun and my husband coaching from the third baseline as our little "Tiger" steals home and our hearts. Thank you for my husband's parents and grandmother cheering with me from the stands. Thank you for my mother beside me, trying to watch while my little girl chatters to her about girl matters. Thank you, thank you, God for allowing me the sheer pleasure of the evening well spent! How I love you! Laura