E-7

I've always considered myself a decent outfielder. I've played in the outfield most of my life (the occasional stint at 1st base notwithstanding). I started in right field...made my way to center...and now, in softball, I reside in left field. I love the wide open space...the chance to run and catch the ball...the chance to "gun" a runner out at second or third...the chance to make the spectacular catch...

The spectacular catch is what outfielder dreams are made of. Being able to duplicate catches made by Andruw Jones, Jim Edmonds, and even Willie Mays would be awesome, and I always dream of making that play to save or win the game.

Well, last Thursday night was no different. Our ALFA softball team was in a tight game. It went back and forth...we'd go up by a few runs, the other team would go up by a few runs. Neck and neck for 5 innings. We were the visiting team that night, so we batted first, and going into the top half of the 6th we were down 2 runs. If we were going to make a move...now would be the time. It was quite an inning. We got the first batter on base thanks to a great basehit. Our next batter flied out to center. Our third batter ripped the ball down the right field line...one run would score...wild throw...the second run would score sliding into home! The game was tied! We were not able to add anymore runs and went into the bottom half tied at 15. Time was running out, so we really needed to hold this team scoreless to give us a chance at another at bat.

Remember when I mentioned dreaming of making that game saving catch? Well, of course, it had been running through my mind the entire game and now the stage was set. How would I do it? Diving to my left...full extention...maybe catching out number 3 as I crash into the fence... No matter how it was to be done, I was ready...

First batter...the pitch...swing...here it comes...routine grounder...the runner is really moving and is probably trying to take second...I drop the glove...eye the runner...and the ball rolls right under my glove and to the fence...the runner scores what proved to be the winning run. I was all ready to make the spectacular catch, but I failed to make the routine play...E-7

Looking back on that play makes me think...do I do the same thing when it comes to my Christian walk? How many times have I dreamt about preaching that spectacular sermon, teaching that moving lesson, or going on that overseas mission when at the same time taking my eyes off the routine things...appreciating my wife, keeping in touch with my friends, speaking to that visitor at church, or giving a pat on the back to anyone who needs it?

Don't get me wrong, we need the spectacular play. There are games that would not have been won without it. There are souls that would not have been saved without it. But let's not focus so much on the big play that we allow the routine play to roll right under our glove. The routine play is always a part of the game, and always needs to be made.