On the final day of 2023, Travis Edwards completed his catch-playing year.
“I’m still processing my journey. I’ve never been good at completing New Year’s resolutions. But this was different. Every day, I was intentionally focusing on someone else, on connecting with someone else. At the same time, I needed the help of others, and so many people were willing to help me reach my goal.”
The biggest challenge was getting started.
“The first 50 to 75 days, just finding someone willing to play catch was difficult. After that, people seemed to know, and word spread. Like the time my wife was at a garage sale and the woman running the sale told her, ‘My son is following his story!’”
Travis is the pastor of North Nixa Baptist Church. Before Nixa, he preached at Orchard Crest for 11 years. He’ll celebrate his sixth anniversary at North Nixa this April.
“Playing catch became something I looked forward to every day. Being a pastor can be stressful, and throwing a ball with someone else was so calming, I needed it for me. It’s just something you have to experience to understand.”
A group of church members made a jersey for him to wear throughout the year. Featuring the blue of his team, the Kansas City Royals, it reads “Wanna Play Catch” across his chest, with the number 12 below the script. Above the script, on the left side, is an embroidered patch of a glove his daughter drew. On the back is his last name and a larger 12.
“Twelve was my number playing baseball and basketball growing up. I chose it because it was my dad’s number when he played basketball.”
Travis is quick to acknowledge the sacrifice and encouragement of his family throughout his year.
“I couldn’t have done it without their support. It does take time and energy to coordinate, to play catch and make that connection.”
Both of us are convinced that connecting with someone through playing catch is the secret sauce.
“People are looking for connections. They’re willing to open up and share when they feel someone is listening to them, when they can tell you care.”
After successfully completing his catch-playing year, he took a couple days off. He missed it immediately. This past weekend, he organized a gathering of dads and sons to play catch and looks forward to doing the same for dads and daughters in the fall.
“In the larger picture, playing catch is so small, so simple. But I’m already catching glimpses of how God is using it to do something greater. I can’t begin to imagine where it’s going to lead.”
Congratulations, Travis, on living a great story!
