Views

I love the game of softball! In the last couple of years I have been very blessed to be around the game in many ways again. As a player, umpire, an asst.coach and a scorekeeper. I have found that in each one I see a different view of the same game. Depending on what I am doing, will change my view of the game.

As a player of the game I am looking for the weak spots. Playing the game the best I can to win. Having fun for the most part. There are times I lose my cool and let my temper get the best of me. There are times I wish I had a "do-over" to swing at a better pitch or just walk away from the ugly talk that goes on.

As an umpire, I do my best to call the game as I see it. Holding up the rules and making the best calls I can make. Sometimes I blow a call but I always intend to do my best. There are teams I really like and some I dread when they come on my field. There are a lot of things that you have to tune out. Things you have to rise above and not take them to heart. There is always that one player that wants to see you jump so you always have to be ready for the ball to come your way.

As an asst. coach my goal is to pass on the love and fun of the game and all the life lessons this game had taught me. The biggest joy is not if we have a win but to watch the girls grow and get better in every game. To see the girl who has never hit to finally reach 1st., to see the catch not dropped, the first stolen base, and to see a group of girls become a team. To hear the girls cheer from the dugout is like music to my ears. Next to playing, I think it is my favorite thing about the game.

As a scorekeep---well that is just pure fun! I love to sit up in the tower and watch. It is so relaxing to watch. I laugh when mistakes are made, I "oooo" when good hits happen or the ESNP catch that was made. No stress of winning, making the right call, or making sure I always set a good example. Just to sit an enjoy a love for a game.

One game, many views on it. I am learning it is same in life. The way I view something can change, so then the way I deal with that thing will also change. My prayer in life is to view people as Jesus does. To love those who make it hard to love. To remember we all have dropped the ball and want a "do-over". To know sometimes I just have to jump out of the way. To rejoice in the moments we make the hit and are safe at 1st. To stop and just watch, remembering there are times in life you just have to laugh.

We have but one life---with many views. So when things are at their worst for you, stop and ask yourself----Can I change the view? I know when I do I am always amazed at what I see.