I just had a curve ball thrown to me and I stood back and watched it with my bat on my shoulder, only to see the ball cross cleanly over the plate.
Strike!
Although I’m still processing I do have some ideas on what to do when life throws you a curve…
- First of all you’ve got to realize that everyone gets curve balls. Everyone. God, the devil, cosmic forces or Karma did not single you out to torment with the vicious pitch that started way outside and then unexpectedly came over the plate for a strike. Everyone gets them. You’ve got a choice to make; you can either cry about it or learn to hit ’em…hard.
- Secondly, curve balls are tough to hit. They are curvy and jumpy and most people whiff at them. That’s why they are thrown…to get you out; to defeat you, to get you to quit. So you swung and missed. That’s okay. Get over it. It’s only a failure if you fail to learn from the experience. Remember what the spin of the ball looked like out of the pitcher’s hand? Remember that. You’ll see it again (see #4)
- Thirdly…admit it…it wasn’t that much of a surprise. Yeah, occasionally you do get the unexpected curve ball but most of the time you know it’s coming. Am I right? So…quit acting all surprised and hurt. Come on remember “strength and courage?” Dig in to the batters box, get your bat off your shoulder and get ready for the next pitch…
- …which might be another curve! That one wasn’t your first curve ball and it won’t be your last. In fact, as long as you’re breathing you can expect a steady diet of curve balls. I don’t know anyone who’s life is so controlled and measured that there are never any surprises. And by the way, a life of no surprises is no life at all. (ever watch a lion in a pen at the zoo?)
Swinging and missing curve balls isn’t very fun. And I can’t say I’m jumping for joy right now (ooh! wasn’t that a pretty curve ball? Swinging and missing was awesome! I just feel great about myself!) I’m still trying to process what all this means…you know…the big picture stuff.
But that’s what the dugout is for; you sit down and study the process so you’ll be better prepared next time you get your chance at the plate.
Because next time you’re going to hit that ball out of the park!
And so am I.
Actually I don’t think God gets surprises. He knows all and sees all and therein lies our advantage when life/Satan throws them at us. Great points about curve balls as a life illistration.
Dad, thanks for setting such a positive example in the face of uncertainty and loss. It’s always been inspiring to me to see you and mom work together to navigate these kinds of things. Adversity vs. adventure is all a matter of perspective– you all taught me that!