In pickleball, when the 'call for the ball' is iffy (whether it lands IN or OUT of the court lines), the team whose court the ball landed in, is the team who decides whether the ball is IN or OUT. That is the rule.

Why? Because those players are closest to the ball and have the best POV - point of view.

Last week playing pickleball in my Jersey Shore neighborhood, my partner called the shot OUT. I didn't happen to see it myself, so I deferred to his decision ... which at the time when he called it - he seemed firm 100%. Yet as soon as the opposing team began to challenge him, he faltered, he wavered. Suddenly he wasn't sure. That was simply pressure and intimation from the other players - who are not supposed to challenge the call - they are supposed to accept it. That's the rule.

It reminded me of when we make a decision in life - and then we falter, waver, and second-guess it. Why do we? Could be we are pressured or intimidated by another's POV. Could be that we just don't trust ourselves and our decision-making.

Let's be more confident than that, shall we? We are mature adults. We have not come this far in life making only bad or wrong decisions. We've made many good and right ones.

Snippeteers, when you have already decided something 100% ... firmly stick to it. Don't be persuaded by others ... their point of view is different from yours. YOU are closer to the situation and therefore, are able to call it better.

Don't waver. Don't falter. Don't backtrack. Trust yourself and stick to your decision.

Snippeteers - PLEASE remember to include your STATE when you backtalk (I do not remember everyone by heart)

"Thank you for the reminder. You’re so inspiring. I’ve been talking to God a lot lately. We just buried my Dad and I’ve been conversing with God quite a bit. Today will be a nice reflection day for me. After house guests return home, a walk in the woods would be great. So thanks for the reminder to slow down. I was going to wash sheets, clean, and write thank you notes. Not today."

~ Patty D in Maryland

"You hit the nail on the head with this topic! It is, by far, better to see God's goodness in the every day rather than sit in a pew counting the minutes until a sermon is over. Don’t get me wrong; church is beautiful and some need that connection. But, to sit and talk with God in nature (whatever that may look like for you) is a religious experience in and of itself." 

~ MJ in Maryland

"Just had to comment and say that I found this week's SNIPPETS absolutely beautiful. The peaceful tone, the subject, the way in which it was written, the imagery created, the truth, the heart, all of it. Absolutely beautiful!"

~ Geri in Delaware

"I've been doing this for years. I got disenchanted with church a while ago, but got my kiddos through private school. I have several relatives who use church to 'get forgiveness,' then do whatever after they left. I have always believed and taught my kids that church is a building, but God is not just there - He's everywhere. Being a good person, doing good things, caring about everyone, etc., is what belief is about. 

I enjoy the peacefulness of an old cemetery, too: the statues and stones. I have teared up walking through, especially when there are babies and/or beautiful monuments to ones who were so loved ... such love and loss in a statue, you can feel how God is looking after them, the old souls, and those who visit. 

I also use my deck as a reflection place to visit with my mom, dad, grandparents, and, yes, even God. Sometimes it's full of happiness (I've surrounded myself in the river and plants), sometimes reflection on the beauty around me (even the helicopters, planes and boats) and sometimes pure sadness and longing because I miss my parents so much, even after so many years. 

Thank you for this reflection since I now don't feel alone thinking 'church is everywhere.' "

~ Karan A in Maryland

"Loved your article. I could relate to it, claim it."

~ Deborah in Maryland

"I remember when my kids were young, and later still living at home, and I'd want to "hurt" them about something they did. My saving thought was that I'd better stop and take a deep breath, because I knew if I ever acted on my impulse and anger, there might be a jury involved. :-D (I hope mom & dad snippeteers can identify with that kind of frustrating situation - and not think I really meant it!)"

~ Joanne in New York

because a little bit of summer

is what the whole year is all about