On November 3, 2022, during game five of the World Series, the announcers mentioned a throwback to my childhood. The Astros’ Ryan Pressly threw a pitch that hit catcher Martin Maldonado on the knee and bounced 60 feet, all the way back to the pitcher.
“That looked like a Pitch-Back,” the announcer quipped.
I loved my Pitch-Back. I might spend 10 minutes on homework in those days. Eleven on a good day. But I could throw balls at the Pitch-Back for hours. I’d rather throw with a person—Dennis was acceptable—but little brother would run out of steam … and I’d return to the Pitch-Back. I would throw and throw and throw, and catch and catch and catch. Daddy would drive up with dinner from KFC; I would keep throwing. Someone would come outside and order me to set the table—I would keep throwing. I was sick of fried chicken. Daddy would come out and—I would stop. Absolutely. I would hurry in, wash my hands with soap, sit down for dinner.
I knew I spent longer with the Pitch-Back than anything else. Certainly longer than practicing piano! But also longer than housework, chores, and even some things I considered fun. (Except TV. the “Boob Tube” could Hoover up hours at a time. But that was not self-discipline; that was the absence of discipline.)
Eventually, the Pitch Back taught me to catch, but more importantly, it taught me to push myself. Later I applied that lesson to long-distance running and finally, to academics and life in general.
Have you learned to ENDURE? We must endure in serving Christ.
“Brothers, do not grow weary in doing good” 1 Thessalonians 3:13.
Never lose sight of those things to which God has called you. Talk to Him, thank Him, stay focused; NEVER lose your first love—that thrilling excitement about Jesus (Revelation 2:4). Christians, preachers especially, can get so busy serving God, they lose touch with His heart, His calling, and the REASON they are serving. Keep in touch with Him! “Live in vital union with Him” Colossians 2:6.
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