“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” – Psalm 56:3-4
One of the most exciting moments in any sport is when a baseball player stands in the batter’s box, faces down a pitcher, and awaits the pitch. It is at this moment that so many possibilities exist. The pitch could be a strike leading to the batter being called out. It could be a ball, walking the batter to first base. The batter also has the possibility of hitting the ball, and possibly resulting in a home run. That moment in the batter’s box is full of possibilities and this is why it is one of the most exciting moments in sports.
This moment provided me an important lesson my first year in little league baseball. This exciting moment in baseball has far less potential if you are not willing to step toward the ball. The first time I stepped into the batter’s box, I struck out. It did not take my coach long to diagnose my problem with batting. I was afraid of getting hit by the ball. When the pitch was thrown, I would step backwards, away from ball and the plate. Even if I did summon up the courage to swing the bat, I was too far away from the ball to make contact.
My coach immediately started working with me to overcome my fear and step towards the ball. It did not take long to have me standing firm and stepping towards the pitcher when the pitch was delivered. My coach helped me to see that I did not have as much to fear as I thought I did. The joy of hitting was much better that the fear of being hit! I did not bat 1.000 that first season, but at least there was now a possibility. I am proud to share that I received the “most improved” medal from my coach that year. This never would have happened if I hadn’t overcome my fear!
Every day, our lives are filled with tremendous potential. Life is also full of challenges that are a cause for fear. When we step away from situations and opportunities, because of fear, we remove ourselves from the possibility of experiencing joy and success. To experience the full joy of life, we must be willing to risk a little and overcome our fears. When we are willing to step towards life and its possibilities, we may just find we have the potential to hit a grand slam!
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
