Calling Balls And Strikes

Calling Balls and Strikes

Rogers Hornsby, who averaged hitting .400 over five years, was facing a rookie pitcher who threw three pitches that the umpire called balls, although the pitcher was sure they were strikes. When the rookie shouted a complaint, the umpire replied, “Young man, when you throw a strike, Mr. Hornsby will let you know.”^a

Some of the best umpires have unique and creative ways to call balls and strikes. What about you? As a parent, it is important that you let the rookies in your home know when they have thrown a strike or a ball.

When your kids do something special or accomplish a task that has previously been hard for them to do, let them know that they just threw a strike and cheer them on. When they misstep and don’t do the basics, or fail to live up to the standard established, graciously correct them and let them know that they aren’t living up to their potential. In essence, call a ball!

As you rear your children, create a way to communicate with them so that they will receive your instruction and take it to heart. Remember, you are correcting them because you love them. Here is a word to encourage your efforts, from Solomon, the wise king of Israel: “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it” (Proverbs 22:6).

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Proverbs 22:6