There is Only One October

As many of you have noticed, we are now in the midst of October, and as MLB likes to say "There is only one October." It's the only month graced by the World Series- the great, the only, the best match-up in all of sports, or so most baseball die-hards would say. Participating in this much revered event is the dream of every little leaguer and just about every baseball player on the planet. Imagine the excitment the Phillies and the Rays players and their families must be experiencing right now. It's a once in a life time opportunity. A truly memorable time.

For every other member of the baseball world, October, and November and December for that matter, can be a much more stressful and uncertain season. Players who are free agents are trying not to worry, wondering if and who they will sign with next year. Those with a general minor league contract always have the question in the back of their mind- "Will I get released? Will I wake up to read in the transactions section of the sports page that I have become just another name in the list of countless "former" baseball players?" Major and minor league coaches are also being hired, fired and reassigned at this time of year. Their families are trying to figure out how to keep the family close, the kids in school, and stay within the budget next season. Even those who have made it to the "Big Show" are not immune from such concerns. There is only one guarantee in baseball...that there are NO guarantees.

That reality tends to cause subconcious stress in my life at this time of year. Yes, it's wonderful being home with family, and yes it's grand to be back in our own neighborhood, our own city, and our own state, but thoughts of next season blow in with the cooler weather. What ifs, if thens, and so whats crowd my mind. Most of the time, I try to turn these concerns into prayers, hoping to "worry about nothing, but pray about everything." Unfortunately, I will never be able to do that perfectly on this side of heaven. 'Til I am made perfect and am dancing with the angels before the throne of God, I keep on striving toward the goal of worry-free living by the grace of Christ.

Thankfully, He always gives us just enough light for the road ahead. Today, that light came from an unexpected place. A few weeks ago, I wrote a review of Megan Basham's book "Beside Every Successful Man." In between her busy schedule of promoting a book, appearing on The Today Show and other media outlets, and keeping up with her freelance writing career, she wrote a very kind post today on her blog about the life I and all other major and minor league wives live. You can read Megan's post here.

While Megan's blog doesn't tell me if Josh will be in AA, AAA or the Big Leagues next year, it is a refreshing breeze of encouragement during the long winter months and a reminder that the Lord knows my every need, even when I don't.

So while you are watching the match-up between the Phillies and the Rays, take a moment to pray for baseball players and coaches and their families. They may not all be on the field, but they are not off the hook.