It had to be a mistyped number. That’s the best answer I can come up with.
I was sent a phone number from someone who said they knew of someone who wanted to play catch and we arranged to meet at Fassnight Field this morning before it got too hot.
I headed to the field a little early to try and loosen up muscles and stretch out. The lower part of my back is still recovering from the trip. While stretching, I found a painted rock tucked away behind the bench, part of Springfield Rocks. I picked it up to take home to Sophie. And while I was stretching, Sarah showed up and introduced herself.
I was prepared to meet Joe and talk baseball.
Sarah is not Joe.
“I like baseball, it is America’s game, right?” Sarah said. “I had my birthday last year at Hammons Field and it was a great experience. But it’s been at least 15 years since I’ve played catch. Maybe longer.”
I ran back to the Millennium Falcon van and grabbed a glove for Sarah to use, laughing and somewhat stunned by the turn of events.
My friend Byron sent me a book that I love and am devouring – God, Improv, and the Art of Living, by MaryAnn McKibbon Dana. Living a life of faith is trusting and following in the footsteps of an ever-creative God who says, “Yes, And…”
“I live my life like improv,” Sarah said. “I say Yes, And then see what happens. So many amazing and unique opportunities open up when you have the courage to say Yes, And. When you texted, I read through some of your stories and the conversations seemed fun and genuine. I thought saying Yes would be interesting.”
Sarah is the IT director for Keller Williams, helping agents with their tech needs. She came to Missouri from California on her way to Connecticut.
“But I never made it to Connecticut. The people here are friendly and I really like it here.”
And it reminded me of Simon Sinek’s brilliant little book, Together is Better. “Always plan for the fact that no plan ever goes according to plan.”
So we played catch and laughed and talked and I was amazed by the whole improv feeling of it all.
“Big dreams for 2018?”
“Oh, I’m running for State Assembly. 132nd District. Politics really make a difference here.”
I am not a fan of politics at all. In fact, I’m pretty sure that I told Trent yesterday that I hate politics because it seems to be just money-driven power plays for the haves who don’t care at all about the daily lives of real people.
“I said Yes at the encouragement of some friends. I really believe that Springfield, especially this district, has a lot of untapped potential.”
Sarah didn’t seem driven by money or power, but the genuine interest of helping her neighbors.
And one more Sinek quote came to mind.
“Life is beautiful not because of the things we see or the things we do. Life is beautiful because of the people we meet.”
