One year ago, I wrote this post — Why Everyone Should Play Catch in 2018.
According to blog statistics, 15 people read it, which accounts for 25% of all of my readers last December. I’m probably related to the majority of those readers. I was in between projects and trying to stay faithful to the discipline of putting words on paper daily. I remember sitting at the desk in my Royals room and looking at the autographs of Sungwoo Lee and Jamey Carroll. Besides the Royals, what connected Sungwoo and Jamey was a game of catch.
When I wrote that post, I honestly couldn’t remember the last time I’d really thrown a ball.
When I wrote that post, I had no idea what would happen in 2018.
Before church, I played catch with Adam and listened to his adventures of driving all over the Midwest. Before this year, I knew nothing of Adam’s story, even though we had attended the same church for a couple of years, often sitting near each other.
After church, I played catch with Evie and Sophie. Evie was dressed to the nines and had fancy hair. She told her dad that she’s been practicing throwing during PE classes at school and talked about needing a new glove. Sophie encouraged Evie’s throws and demonstrated her own improved throwing skills from this year.
After lunch, Kaylea and I swung by Kickapoo to play catch and process college decisions. The more she talked, the greater the distances her throws covered.
There is a simple connection between Advent and playing catch.
Joy.
As I reflect on 2018, joy is evident in the new friends and adventures and all the amazing stories. I have been surprised by joy time and time again simply by disciplining myself as a catch player much like I have as a writer.
I believe with all my heart that everyone should play catch in 2019.
Because joy is contagious.
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Last night, my family braved the millions who also decided to visit Silver Dollar City. Just before we left, I tried on a replica 1890’s mitt. Two hands needed at all times!
