Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

Time for another baseball lesson.

My father attended all my games. When I would do something right he would swell with pride and say “That’s my boy.”

One game I remember well, because I didn’t do so well. I came up against the opposing pitcher who had a fastball I had never seen before. It wasn’t an unknown pitch, just one I had never seen thrown at me. It was a rising fastball. He struck me out with three pitches. It was the first time I’d ever been struck out with three pitches.

My father shook his head and said, “That’s my boy.” It wasn’t with the same enthusiasm as before but he still acknowledged our relationship. After every game, win or lose, we would go out for a tasty freeze.

This day he sat across from me and calmly asked, “Do you know what you did wrong?” I could only answer, “I went chasing fastballs.” His answer pulled it all into perspective.

“I taught you to hit strikes.”

God the Father teaches us to chase after righteousness and not to chase after what you think looks good.

Proverbs 21:21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

His lessons are calm, accurate, and appropriate to the moment.

Proverbs 2:9-11 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

I stopped chasing rising fastballs and went back to chasing strikes.

My Father smiles quietly.