It’s been a week filled with baseball here, and I can’t say as I mind. H’s team has played two games so far in their post season tournament, with one to go on Thursday. I can tell that he’s a little weary (an afternoon camp each day directly followed by baseball games each night feels a bit like a throwback to when school was still in session), but it’s still so cool to watch his team gel as the season winds down. As with anything in life, there’s much to learn when you’re 9/10/11 years old and that ball is coming at you fast over the mound. After a pitch to the helmet last week, H took one to the shoulder tonight. I’ve been so amazed at how composed he’s been when injured…it’s crazy to watch him mature so much before our eyes. I’m proud of his sportsmanship and the way he encourages and celebrates his teammates. That feels as much like a win as anything at this stage of parenting and life.

H’s team has had its fair share of victories and losses this year, and each time, they’ve weathered the roller coaster of either experience. As I reflect back on their season, I think about how life is so much like baseball and I hear my dad reminding us from an early age, “It’s not whether you win or lose; it’s how you play the game.” Isn’t that the truth? We don’t always have control over whether we win or lose. Life isn’t always fair, sometimes bad calls are made, sometimes we give it our all and the other team is genuinely stronger. Sometimes we get lucky, or we’re on our A game, or it feels like the stars have aligned in our favor. However the case may be, the attitude we take into any situation impacts our course. I probably don’t need to tell you that, but I’m reminding myself.

When I think about how this applies to my life these days, it’s obvious in a few main areas. Naturally I feel the weight of this in parenting most, when everyone’s moods are subject to change on a dime and I still need try to be steady and rational for all (even though I’ll admit I’m not always channeling rational). But how do I play the game? Do I fight with a kiddo pushing back at everything? Do I find a way to be firm and calm, but hold my ground? Do I let something go because I’m too tired to address it? All plausible, though I try to land on the second option as much as possible. These days with everyone home are great exercise in this category. Sanctification through parenting is the real deal, isn’t it?!

And then there’s pregnancy and all the hills and valleys that can come with it. Keeping my chin up on the hard days is harder fought this time around, but I also still hang my hat on loving this process and marveling at the miracle that it is every single day. I can say with assurance that as I set my mind on baby’s someday labor and delivery, my attitude and intention beforehand will chart the course in a lot of ways. Positivity and prayer and regular affirmations will be game changers, regardless of the circumstances.

I hope I’ll always attempt to play fair and give it my all in each aspect of living, though I know my best isn’t perfect and that I have bad days, too. When I think about H or any of his teammates out in the field or at bat–determination and grit in their expressions and hope ahead of them each new inning–it doesn’t take but a moment to remember why I love the sport so much or why I think it matters to learn to be a part of a team. I’m also reminded that every at bat–each new day–is a fresh opportunity to hang in there, to get the hit, to run with determination or to knock it out of the park. Of course there’s a chance we strike out here and there, but we step up to the plate with a clean slate and new possibilities every time. I hope more than anything, this season of baseball has taught perseverance and the joy of being surrounded by others. It sure is a good way to go through life–with a little breeze at your back and a team to cheer you on!

Batter up!

MM