Then Finish It

Years ago, while coaching little league baseball, I had a moment that lives forever in my memory. We had a young man that we had worked on as a pitcher. He wasn't the fastest pitcher; he wasn't the most efficient pitcher; he wasn't the most accurate pitcher; but, he had the desire to pitch, so, we worked with him to that effect.

This young man pitched a little here and there, and did alright. As we approached the end of the season, with first place hanging in the balance, I decided that he would be the pitcher in the all important last game. He lit up with excitement when I told him the news. He was encouraged by our confidence in him.

Today's word is from 1 Thessalonians 5:11, NLT, which reads, "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."

Encouragement can take people so far, farther than we could ever imagine. The young pitcher pitched really well for five innings but began to struggle in the sixth, and last, inning. We were up by two runs but, with two outs, he had loaded the bases by giving up two singles and a walk. I walked out to the mound, put my arm around his shoulder, and said, "You've pitched an outstanding game. Do you want some help finishing?" He looked me dead in the eye and said, "I want to finish it." So, I looked at him, smiled, and said, "Well, then, finish it." He struck the next guy out!

We could never imagine how much an encouraging word could do for someone. If you get the chance to encourage someone, do it!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T