I was watching the baseball playoffs last evening. As the game was about to begin, the umpire came out in front of home plate and threw a new ball to the starting pitcher. A brand-new baseball. I remember as a young Little Leaguer standing on the pitcher’s mound and catching the starting game ball from an umpire in the same way. As a boy, I didn’t get to see a brand-new ball except at the start of a game. The ball has a different feel. The seams are uniform and sharp. The leather is smooth and after you rub it a little you can get a really good grip on it. It’s clean, and smooth, and feels great in your hand.
One of the great things we have living on our earth is the blessing of a brand-new day when we wake from our rest. That day can be anything we choose to make it. A new start on the problems we face. A new opportunity to help others. A new chance to make amends with those we love.
In this terribly difficult time, let us each take this blessing of a new day for what it can be. A new chance to be the people God calls us to be.
