Stealing Second
Two days ago I went for a bike ride. The weather was unsurpassed, the company – hubby and nephew – delightful, and the route – a paved path along a gorgeous river – awesome. There was not a single disappointing facet to the day.
The path, the parks, the river were all packed. Bikers, walkers, joggers, picnickers, kayakers, and canoeists were out in number. Kids were everywhere.
We whizzed, at one point, by a tiny biker and his dad. They were just off the path but pointing toward it. The little guy, maybe three, was standing beside his bicycle-with-training-wheels, hands on handlebars, rocking forward and back gently. “Push. Push. Push,” he was repeating in the wee-est voice. I wasn’t able to determine what the situation was exactly, but neither boy nor man seemed upset or impatient or hurt, so I assume they were both OK and just facing a small glitch of some sort. It was a sweet scene.
There was artwork on underpass walls. There were ice cream cones. Families at picnic tables. Lovers strolling hand in hand.
There were ball games. These were, for me, the real highlight. As we approached two ball fields right next to each other but angling slightly away in the direction of their respective playing areas, Rick said, “Oh, look. A couple of softball games!” That’s what I thought, too, at first glance, but upon getting closer, I realized that the players were little boys and the game was baseball. No matter. Though I’d played softball for many years, I love both games. Over I went.
And was it ever a kick! I’m here to tell you those boys were as serious as a heart attack about their game(s). They were dressed and behaving as if they were men, the men they no doubt idolize. (Though I observed no spitting at any time!) The coolness, the posturing, the hustle displayed were all quite impressive. And somewhat humorous. They were all so small, or so it seemed to this old lady.
The pitcher in the game to my right was throwing high. Still, he got a few pitches low enough to be hit and one extra-small boy finally hold hold of one. He made it to first. And then the attempt to steal second commenced. He had me mesmerized. He led off a little bit and was crouched low, his leading arm extended slightly toward second, his other a bit behind him. His form was excellent. He rocked and swayed, didn’t take his eyes off the pitcher. He looked ready to fly. And fly he did when the time came. Made it, too! I’ve been calling him Rickey Henderson in my mind since. (Look him up if you need to . . .)
Oh, how I enjoyed that delicious day! And I thank God for it. I could have been somewhere else and missed all that beauty and joy. Solomon said, in Ecclesiastes 3:12-13, “So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God” (NLT).
It needn’t be a big thing in order for us to enjoy something. Often it isn’t. Sometimes it’s small. For me, on Sunday, it was a young boy stealing second base.
Thank you, Lord!
12 Comments
Socorro C Lopez
Thanks again, Carolyn. Nobody but nobody else that I know can tell the tale of an outing bringing us to all the minor highlights so that we may draw ✍️ from it what is most lacking in the depths of our souls. Keep Biking & Happy Trails to you and Rick.
Carolyn Karlstrom
Thank you, sweet Socorro!! I really appreciate your comment. With your encouragement like this, I’ll certainly keep writing!
Trudie
I felt like I was right there with you on that delightful Sunday💞 Love this!!! and you 💞
Carolyn Karlstrom
I’m so happy, Trudie, that you joined me! It was delightful having you. ⚾️ I appreciate your post very much and love you too! ❤️
Sherri
It sounds like you had a really delightful day! I think so often it really is the little things in our daily lives that make us happy, but we have to take the time to notice them! You weren’t in a big hurry that day, and look how many moments brought you joy…
I’m having fun taking Beau on his daily walks and finding new things to see as he stops every few feet to sniff a plant or pull on his leash when he spots yet another bunny. Life is filled with many small delights….
Carolyn Karlstrom
Such a thoughtful reply – thank you! Yes, I do love the little pleasures and it sounds like you do too. Would love to meet someday and enjoy a few of them together!!
Melissa Forster
Often times I wonder why but realised that I was there for a reason. I thank God that I was there to help and my pt was ok and move upstairs for higher level of care. Your story reminded me of that. Despite being overcapacity no staffs and working double shifts we are glad to be there and do our best.
Carolyn Karlstrom
Nice application, Melissa! I’m thankful, too, for your commitment to good patient care and that the same is true for most other nurses. We owe you/them so much!! 🩺♥️
Beth Kjeldgaard
I had a college English professor that told us in her class that the key to being a good writer was to present a clear visualization to the reader. Well done cousin Carolyn, as you did exactly that! Loved the visualization as well as the biblical reference to enjoying what God has given us. Ecclestiastes is such a book of wisdom that my dad referenced often. So grateful! Ecclesiastes 3:12-13, “So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God” (NLT)
Carolyn Karlstrom
I sure appreciate these kind words, Beth, and your encouragement! I’m so glad you could see it all!! This really was a precious sight and I’m so glad I didn’t miss it. Makes me think I need to get out more . . . 😊
Cheryl
I love that you are riding, and what a bonus to see a ball game!!! Wish I could have seen you play in your ballpark days! ⚾️ Maybe you could find a team nearby 😎
Carolyn Karlstrom
Ummmmm . . . I’m a little long in the tooth now, I think. And the last time I pitched I ruptured a disc in my neck and haven’t been the same since. I can’t tell you what a disappointment that has been in the intervening years!! 😢 Thanks so much for reading and commenting!