Wednesday 6 January 2010

"play Ball!" Sorry, not now!!

It is now the New Year and time for resolutions.

I was thinking of what things I want to improve on in 2010 and was reminded of one my supervisors/friends from years past.

One day I went into my supervisors office and was discussing work projects. I glanced at his desk and noticed a baseball sitting on the desk. I guess I just had not noticed it before. After we had finished discussing work items I asked him what was the significance of the baseball on the desk?

He got a very serious look on his face, picked up the baseball, sat back in his chair and with tears filling his eyes began to share his story.

His son loved baseball and loved to play catch with his dad. The problem was that Dad was a VP (Vice President) of the company and worked long hours and traveled out of town a lot. Dad struggled to find time to play catch and even when home was often exhausted when he got home from work.

At the age of 8, his son died quite suddenly from a children's disease. The family, a wonderful Christian family was devastated.

My supervisor leaned forward in his chair and said, "I keep the baseball on my desk to remind me of having correct priorities. I miss my son, I cannot go back, but I can go forward."

I pray, "Lord, as I start into year 2010, help me to see the needs of others, my work responsibilities for you - and please help me to see the needs of my family - amen."

12 comments:

Carol said...

I wish more parents could grasp the belated wisdom of your supervisor! All we have is today, and we must use it wisely. Perhaps we will be given tomorrow.

Indian Lake Papa said...

oh Carol, what a changed world we would have. I hope that I do better as a parent in 2010. That includes grand kids as well! LOL

CrossView said...

Beautiful.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Your a great mom M !! Always work hard at it - always.

Ed said...

When struggling to provide for our family financially, we can loss focus on what they need the most, spending time with them to show them how much they are loved.

Papa, your prayer has the right focus.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Ed, providing for our family is a great priority - more people should be working on that - but, you are right, we need to be careful of keeping focus on our families emotional needs as well.

Life Adapted said...

I keep saying the same thing - It's all about balance. I pray that your supervisor remembers the times he did play with his son and that he rests on the promise that they will be re-united in Heaven.

Be blessed

Indian Lake Papa said...

LA - He is a great man - and father. I am sure his son was blessed to have him for a dad. We just sometimes look back and realize we missed some good opportunities becaus we may have gotten good priorities switched around.

Peter Olson said...

Amen!
Great reminder to keep things in the right perspective.
Thank you!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Peter - life is based on having the right perspectives!!

Unknown said...

Papa, you inspired my post about wanting alone time.... my priorities are straight now, thank you! =)

Indian Lake Papa said...

Deb, Luv U !! Keep always working on your priorities!!