Strike Three, But Not Out

There are times in your life when it seems that fastballs are being thrown at you left and right, in front and behind, as if you had a target sign on your person.

The first ball comes at your head, so you quickly duck in time to just feel the streak of wind ruffle your hair. You straighten up, breathing a sigh of relief, when you see the second ball comes out of your peripheral vision coming from left field. In a split second, your mind runs through your options. "Ducking won't suffice for this low curve ball. Obviously, the pitcher has changed his tactics. Jumping at precisely the right moment and right height seems improbable. That may be a good last resort. Should I run for it?" The ball is feet away, bringing with it a force that is sure to cause pain if it hits you. In a moment of clarity and desparation, you stumble backwards and fall. You've avoided the hit, but now you are on the ground covered in dirt and feeling sore from the fall.

You wonder, for the first time, where you are and where the balls are coming from. Looking around, you realize that you are not in a baseball stadium like you first thought. In fact, the more closely you look, the clearer your surrounding become. You are surrounded by people walking about. A few people smile and wave. With a look of utter bewilderment slapped across your face, you slowly raise your hand and move it from side to side. A closer look at their faces reveal features that ar enot unfamiliar. These are your friends. And that building in the background is your apartment. And just to the right is your car. This must be your life.

A minute ago, you thought you were alone in an unfamiliar baseball stadium, when, in actuality, you were completely surrounded by the familiar. And just as you pick yourself up off the ground and dust yourself off...BAM! A third ball hits you square in the back and knocks you down flat. That was almost as unexpected as the first ball. People here and there are complaining of the injustice. You hear glimpses of conversations, "...came from behind." "how could it..." "...just unfair." You consider just staying down on the ground and letting any other balls just fly over you while you take notice of the hard ground beneath you.

An open and inviting hand is all you see. Looking up toward the sunlit sky, you squint to see this Person's face. Almost reluctantly, you offer your hand in return. With a gentle pull, you are on your feet again. Though you are unsteady, His hands hold you upright. He smiles and gives you a bat. Instinctively, you know another ball is soaring in your direction, but you swing His bat and like magnetic force, the ball collides with it and is sent in another direction. A smile slides across your mouth. As you begin to offer His bat back to Him, He throws His hands up in protest and says, "Keep it. I want my daughter to be prepared for the next game. I'll be in the dugout if you need me."