The Power of Encouraging Words

It was my third season of baseball in the Spring of 72. By the start of my second season I had finally learned the difference between right and left field, and that mainly from the bench. So needless to say, my expectations going into my third season were not all that high. But I was on a new team with a new coach who had different expectations. At the very first practice Coach Mark looked at me and said, “I need a catcher and you’re the one for the job.” All my excuses were to no avail. “But Coach…I’ve never played that position…I’m an outfielder (a benchwarmer even).” Certainly this can’t be happening.

In great trepidation I awkwardly donned the gear of a catcher and Coach Mark tossed me the ball with encouraging words, “you can do this!” I tossed it back and he took two steps back and threw it harder. Then again and again, taking two steps back until he was the distance of a little league pitcher. To my amazement I was actually catching the ball. We had several weeks of practice before the season started and with each practice Coach Mark would always give me encouraging words. As the day approached for our first game I was beginning to realize that I really was the catcher for the team. I would get to play like I never had before.

I was still last in the batting order simply because I would not swing. But one day my dad invited a friend to the game. His name was Dennis Havig, a Falcon football player. I got up to the plate and I heard Dennis yell the now familiar words, “you can do it!” So I did, and to my amazement I hit the ball off the center field fence for a double that pushed two runs in. The next game I was moved from ninth bat to clean-up.

We went on the next two years to win the Little League City Championship. Not because I was great, but because our team was great; and we had a great coach that encouraged us throughout the season, even on the days when we didn’t do so well.

I have been reminded recently of those days long ago because another day is approaching with another team that I may be joining soon in a position that I come to again in trepidation and trembling. Once again it is time to step up to the plate and swing. Once again it is time to don the gear. And just as it was in 1972, so there are men around me who have been a great source of encouragement to me as I prepare for opening day of preaching in view of a call to join a team as pastor of a church. All the calls, emails and conversations with the members of this new team have been an incredible encouragement.

I am reminded of the words of Hebrews 10:25 “…let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

The encouraging words of others have tremendous ability to lift us higher and take us further than we have ever gone before. The bench warming days are over. It’s time for another championship!