March 23

I know, another baseball post. But this one's a little bit different.

Isaac (who is the figure to the right of the tee in the photo) volunteered to help with today's Challenger game, and I asked if I could go along to watch. He said sure, so off we went.

The Little League Challenger division is for young people aged four and up who have physical and mental challenges. Students with Isaac's high school baseball program attend the games and act as buddies for the players.

Anyway, I wasn't sure what to expect going in, but it wound up being a really positive experience. I was surprised and heartened to see how many guys showed up to help out; there were so many volunteers, in fact, that Isaac took on a role as a catcher and bat boy instead of a buddy because there weren't enough players to go around. Every time a new player came up to bat, the cheers were plentiful; with each successful hit, that volume increased. In fact, the enthusiasm from both the players and the spectators was absolutely infectious and a celebratory feeling crackled in the air. It felt like the Holy Spirit was present -- really, truly, palpably present. And it was wonderful.

It was an unexpectedly uplifting experience, and I am thankful to have had it.