One of the best ways young players can learn the game is simply by watching it. While this might seem like an obvious statement to make, we can easily forget that simply watching and paying attention show us things about baseball that we might miss otherwise.
By watching on TV, we see the interaction between the pitcher and the catcher, the setup of the hitter and catcher, the timing of the hitter, the mechanics of the pitcher, the reception of the ball by the catcher, and more.
By watching in person from the stands, we see the positioning of the fielders, the approach of the baserunners, the movement of relays, and so on.
By watching from the dugout, we see and hear the coaches plan strategy, the players communicating on various plays, the interaction of players and coaches, etc.
There’s so much to learn by simply watching the game played.
Proverbs 8:34-35 speaks on wisdom’s behalf toward the same end–“Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord.”
In other words, wisdom says, you can learn a lot just by watching.
When I think of how the Lord has put wisdom in my line of sight, three things come to mind:
Scripture: read it, every day. God isn’t hiding his plan for your thoughts, decisions, actions, or life. Wisdom for all of it is easily found in the Scripture. When I was younger, I began the habit of reading a chapter of Proverbs every day. Don’t stop there, but it’s a great place to begin.
Mentors: find them, now. No one can successfully navigate the Christian life without godly mentors and leader, regardless of your age. As a teenager, both my dad and my youth pastor provided the wisdom and guidance I so desperately needed.
Prayer: do it, continually. The Book of James in the New Testament tells us to ask God for wisdom when we lack it. It is through prayer that God brings to mind and confirms his word in our lives. When we ask for his wisdom and counsel, he will give it, no questions asked.
Just like watching the game, let’s get in the habit of “watching” the Scripture, of “listening” godly people, and of “waiting” on God in prayer, as the verse alludes to.
When we do, we’ll imitate what we see, hear, and find, putting us in position to receive the life God truly wants for us.
Lord Jesus, today, I’m watching, listening, and waiting. You are wisdom personified…show me today. Amen.
