Finishing grace before dinner with family, one of my grandkiddies, Makayla, asked why we say a prayer before dinner.  She has been doing this since a toddler; but, now was looking for the rational for the action.  “We pray to thank God for the gift of this food before us and ask Him to bless us,” said my hubby.  “Well then, we need to say grace before we eat anything,” was her reply, “even when we have a snack or drink water.”

Yes, she was right and I told her so.  But what do I do?  I certainly thank God before all my meals; but, what about those snacks…the times I half-thinking reach into the refrigerator to munch on something, anything.  My mind is usually thinking of something else and that reach into the frig may be a bit of boredom or stress.  What about those times?

When Makayla  mentioned praying before even drinking water, my head popped up a bit; I just heard that at Sunday Mass.  “Each time you drink a glass of water, pray for those who have no clean water to drink,” requested a missionary sister.  After the gospel at all the Masses she was  asking for assistance for the missions.  She said we can help the missionaries in three ways: with a monetary gift; by encouraging our young adults to volunteer a year of their time to assist at a mission; and by praying for the missionaries.   “Each time you grasp the doorknob to your front door, pray for those who are homeless,” she added.

Yes, the water…I drink lots of that during the day in a large thermos glass with a screw on top and plastic straw.  It’s filled with ice and fresh, clean, cold water.   No, rarely do I think to thank God for that gift of clean water every time I partake of it.  I had forgotten what the good sister requested and my granddaughter unknowingly reinforced the request for prayers and the need for thanksgiving.  It always amazes me what little ones teach us!

Then, I couldn’t help but to think of all the other gifts God has so graciously bestowed on me…the house with heat, air-conditioning, running water…warm water for showers; the bed with a soft mattress, sheets and warm blankets; the car that makes walking long distances a physical fitness exercise not a means of transportation; appliances large and small.  And with the mention of appliances, what about electricity, making candles strictly for ambience!

I do thank God for all His gifts; but, I would like to be more conscious of these everyday.  That would be another way to be centered in God’s presence.  To look at things differently.  To see all things as gifts from God.  To realize many, all too many are less fortunate and to pray frequently for them and what they are forced to endure each day.  And the good sister…to keep her and all the missionaries in my prayers.

May God generously bless you and all those you love.

Sharyn

Dear God,  Thank you for all Your blessings.  May I always be aware of Your gifts in my life.  May I always pray for and help those less fortunate.  Amen

The long awaited day arrived!  The journey through Division and Section baseball competitions, to winning the All-Star State Championship title has led to this day for my 10 year old grandson, Tommy, and his Little League team… the Mid-Atlantic Championship game.  Of the five states competing during the week, they were 3 & 1, three wins and one loss.  Now, they would play the undefeated team for the title.

If you read my last post, “God Loves Baseball, Too!” you saw how Tommy has been aware of God’s blessings and the gift of his athletic talent.  He always blesses himself and thanks God for his talent before each swing at bat.  He, likewise, blesses himself after each play and thanks God again, regardless of the outcome of the play.

We had many talks about God’s love and blessings, how important it is to be aware of and grateful for all God’s gifts, and how God abundantly blesses a grateful heart.

Having baseball to teach this lesson of awareness and gratitude was a blessing in itself… the highs, the lows, the successes and the disappointments of the game are much like life.  Learn to acknowledge God in baseball, then, take it further into other sports, into school and into life, itself.

It was a day to be remembered…both teams on the field, introductions made and, then, with baseball caps in hand, the national anthem played, followed by, “Play ball!”

The opposing team came on strong to score seven runs in the first three innings.  We thought we had a run in the 4th. inning; but, the boy running home from first base missed third base… ran right over it!  It happens, he’s ten and was excited.  My guess is that will never happen to him again.  And, isn’t it about learning, too?

It was the top of the sixth and the score 7-0.  Our last chance at bat.  Tommy was first up and took his place near home plate.  As always, he blessed himself with the sign of the cross before each swing.  There were strikes and balls  leading to a full count…3 balls, 2 strikes.  If only he could get on base.

Then, as if God said, “My Child, for faithfully acknowledging My gift and always thanking Me for your talent, this is for you.”  A loud crack of the bat…the ball flying straight between second and third bases, then over the fence and midway onto the lawn.  A home run!  A beautiful hit!  The crowd roared!  Tommy made his way around the bases to home plate!  Team members came out of the dugout to congratulate him!  And yes, Tommy thanked God!

The team rallied; you could feel the energy!  Three more runs came in for the final score 7-4.  They didn’t win the Mid-Atlantic title but were second best… second out of the five mid-atlantic state teams.  Quite an accomplishment for these young boys!

It was a wonderful week and a blessing to have this time with my family.  There were so many wonderful moments and so many memories.  Yet, what I will always remember is that home run…a blessing from a loving God for a child who faithfully acknowledges Him.

May God bless you and all those you love.

Sharyn

Dear God, Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to be with my family.  May we always remember that our talents are gifts from You.  May we always be grateful for them and use them to the best of our ability.  And, God, thank you for that home run for my grandson!  Amen.