Oh, how refreshing a game of ball, bat, mitt, and grit can bring to the doldrums of political election ads, rising prices, and war. Throw in a little heart, strategy, and prayer and maybe you’ve got something like a World Series win. That’s what the Milwaukee Brewers gave to those who watched them clinch the title last week.
But there was more than just good baseball at the plate between the Brewers and the Rays. Adult men on the heels of an old childhood sandlot game came together and dug deep to deliver all they had in the way of character and spirit.
It was an opportunity for fans to simply leave the daily grind behind for a while and to partake in the adventure and excitement of “play.” Replace the “l” in the word “play” with an “r” and there was that, too, for I saw players pray there on the field, and when asked, some spoke it wasn’t for the win, as much as spiritual gratitude for health and guidance.
All of a sudden, baseball became a spiritual venture right before my very eyes and in the wake of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day this week, I thought upon not only those sainted baseball players from so many teams throughout history(!), but I remember all those souls (baseball lovers or not) in my own small life that I have loved and lost, at least for now, heaven-bound, hopefully. Somehow, there was this feeling of coming back to heart-center again, or call it, coming back to home plate in a brief pause of remembrance and gratitude. Somehow, watching this series, evoked a deeper reflection in my own life.
And so, I ask the question:
What takes you back to the home plate of where you began? What and who brings you joy? What are you grateful for?
Thanks for stopping by. ♥