September 13

These guys (including Brady, who's the one facing the camera wearing high red socks) were the poster children for resilience today.

After getting off to a largely forgettable 0-3 start to the fall tournament season, they roared back to life this afternoon by winning both of their games --including one against the team that crushed them last weekend-- and securing the top seed entering play tomorrow.

Brady started the first game and pitched three innings. He gave up just one hit, walked two, and plunked one batter in the back (which sounded --and looked, based on the guy's contorted facial expression-- like it hurt) while striking out four and allowing no runs. His control was great and he was throwing hard; it was absolutely one of his best outings in a long while. I think he walked once but otherwise didn't do much at the plate, but as I told him, it's okay because ultimately, it's a team effort.

He didn't play much in the second game --just a brief stint out in right field, and he was on deck to bat when the game ended due to time-- but the team as a whole played well enough to win against a very tough opponent (who, based on the parents' reactions, were NOT used to losing. But that's for another entry).

So yes, they were resilient. They came back, shook off the rust that plagued them last week, and played good, solid baseball. 

Life often requires that we be able to withstand difficulties --and in fact, God promises that we WILL have troubles on this side of Heaven-- so I'm grateful for the opportunities my kiddos have to be challenged. And it's heartening to watch them rise to meet and overcome those challenges.