Recently, I was thrown a curve ball. In fact, it came at me from a virtual place when neither I was expecting it nor waiting for it. Either way, it caught me off guard. Now, don't get me wrong, it was a great throw. And, in fact, it was a possible home run once I realized it was the perfect pitch. It headed towards me straight over the plate with precise aim and candid spin. It was honest and with good intent and without looking, eyes shut and heart open, I was ready for it although unexpectedly. Funny isn't it? When that curve ball is coming at you at full speed you seem to be able to verify its worthiness and plan your response. In my case, I hit that ball so hard there was no way I was going to strike out. I knew it was worth the swing and planned for it hit into the sky...to the moon. As the ball was flying upward I concentrated, intently to make it to the first base, the second base, the third base and, finally, home plate. I've been running towards the score without caution or perspective. All I've wanted was this score for which I always new I'd get, I just didn't know when...this was my opportunity. Is it so much the score? Or, rather, the journey of the ball as it scraped past trees and buildings into the sky. Lets face it, the ball eventually has to land falling with speed out of its thrust into the great unknown. When it lands, then what? Does it roll under a bush to hide? Does it land in the hands of another unsuspecting person? Or does it simply plunk down and take a deep breathe and realize its journey was purposeful and exhilarating? As I caught my breathe after running the bases I too realized I didn't look back into the sky to watch that lonely ball venture to its new land. Should I have concentrated more on the journey of the ball and its purpose or should I have done what I did and kept running towards the outcome? There is no answer.
Once settled down, heart beat calming and adrenaline subsiding, I caught my breathe and realized that I had done something I had never done before now. I hit a curve ball with the intent to make it a home run without deciding whether or not it was the perfect swing. It felt safe, it felt good and it felt right. I am confident in the fact that no matter what comes my way I can close my eyes and swing. Fortunately this curve ball was a positive pitch. It has not only given me such confidence, but also insight into myself as what is possible and what I am able to accomplish if I just believe in the process. This curve ball is a person for which I write. People are obviously more complex than baseballs, but the principle remains; Do we avoid the curve ball? Do we take a swing? Or, do we simply not step up to the plate to take the chance at the home run? I took the swing!! And, it more than likely one of the best swings I have ever taken, curve ball or not. If ignored, if I chose to sit this one out, I would have missed the opportunity to meet someone new. I would have missed the chance to grow outward and I would have missed the advance of who I am and what I am capable of in this lifetime.
To be able to open your mind and heart to newness and to be able to accept the everything that another person has to offer, is truly the best experience one can ever have. There is no "what ifs" or "I should haves". Simply, its important to step up, take a swing, connecting with the "ball" and hitting that home run.
Once settled down, heart beat calming and adrenaline subsiding, I caught my breathe and realized that I had done something I had never done before now. I hit a curve ball with the intent to make it a home run without deciding whether or not it was the perfect swing. It felt safe, it felt good and it felt right. I am confident in the fact that no matter what comes my way I can close my eyes and swing. Fortunately this curve ball was a positive pitch. It has not only given me such confidence, but also insight into myself as what is possible and what I am able to accomplish if I just believe in the process. This curve ball is a person for which I write. People are obviously more complex than baseballs, but the principle remains; Do we avoid the curve ball? Do we take a swing? Or, do we simply not step up to the plate to take the chance at the home run? I took the swing!! And, it more than likely one of the best swings I have ever taken, curve ball or not. If ignored, if I chose to sit this one out, I would have missed the opportunity to meet someone new. I would have missed the chance to grow outward and I would have missed the advance of who I am and what I am capable of in this lifetime.
To be able to open your mind and heart to newness and to be able to accept the everything that another person has to offer, is truly the best experience one can ever have. There is no "what ifs" or "I should haves". Simply, its important to step up, take a swing, connecting with the "ball" and hitting that home run.
