It Just Comes Natural

Most kids I work with have one thing in common.  They LOVE the game of baseball.  If we are honest, most of the kids love it MORE if they are naturally good at it and successful on the field.  A lot of the skills we have in this game come natural and should be seen for what they are, a God-given gift.  I believe in God's sovereignty over everything.  If He has put a passion in you for this game AND given you the ability and skills to do it well, then work hard at it for His GLORY.  I think Nolan Ryan understood this.  Check out these quotes from Nolan when asked about the ability he has been given:

“Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of kids who had unbelievably great arms but never made much of it all. They either got injured or were never able to master the principles of throwing. When you get to the top level, there’s not a lot of separation in the physical abilities of players. It’s the mental approach to the game that separates people.

“If you’re blessed with the ability to throw hard, you have to consider all the factors. It’s a gift that you did nothing to earn. I mean that. It was given to you and what you do with it is up to you.

“Once I realized that I said to myself, ‘Hey, this is a gift and I’m going to take advantage of it and be the best I can be for as long as I can.’ A lot times professional athletes, even people in general, don’t realize what a blessing they have and they don’t utilize it to the fullest.”

This is some sound theological commentary here.  I could elaborate on that on a different blog, but we will stick to baseball on this one.  It is a gift.  With hard work and that fuel of passion, those gifts can reach their fullest potential.  Let's get to practice!