There is a special week in August when the whole world is focused on Williamsport, PA. It’s the Little League World Series. Sixteen ball teams from around the world meet in one place, with one goal, to win the championship.
There is great joy for these teams and their families. But there is also a great sacrifice of time and money to get here. They play the regular season, then the all star games, and then, if they keep winning, finally arrive at Williamsport. However, they are willing to pay the price for this once in a lifetime opportunity.
The competition is very tough and there will be only one team who becomes the champion. But all the teams will go home winners just for the opportunity of being involved.
Something far more than baseball happens this week. Teams get to live together and play ball against each other. They make life-long friends from all around the world. They learn the meaning of both winning and losing. What a great opportunity for these young people!
Little League is about families and fellowship. It is encouraging when you visit the great complex at South Williamsport and see the large crowds and the behavior of young and old. This yearly event makes it possible for people to come together and enjoy their families. It is just wonderful. The sacrifice for some that come from so far away is big, but the joy and experience will last a lifetime.
I believe our world has become a better place because of Little League Baseball. At least for this one week it unites people from all walks of life, who have one common cause, their children. Yes, it’s just a game but it works.
This would not at all be possible without the hundreds of volunteers who work endless hours and enjoy every minute. It’s about the kids. From security, to vendors, to uncles, ushers, to maintenance, to garbage people, to drivers, to parking, to everyone involved, because without them this could not be possible. Many of these people come back year after year from all over the world to help the children. It’s about the children and friendship.
There is a very important lesson in all of this. Here is what it is. Our careers and stations in life are important. But the most important is the children. The new generation that will be our leaders, doctors, nurses, pilots, preachers, truck drivers, block layers, professors, cooks, etc., will receive their value system from the older generation. We have an obligation to prepare them for the life they will have in the future.
Little League is teaching discipline and character, the value of teamwork and respect for others, and that winning is not everything, but how you play the game. These young people are learning to be good followers so that someday they too can be leaders.
Jesus said, “Except you become as a little child, you cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven”.
Isn’t it interesting that it always comes back to God, family, and country, to bring true value into our lives. The blessings are there, don’t miss them.
Chaplain Bud
Do you ever get tired of people who are always complaining or whining? People who are always complaining about higher gas prices or the price of food going up? People who gather in groups and complain about the politicians and the government?
This negative kind of talking only produces more negative talk, but never changes anything. What I have learned is that complainers and first-class blamers know all the answers but never fix anything or get involved. But, they always know what everyone else should do or could do.
These people are promoters of discouragement and doubt in our government and our fellowman. I will agree that things are a little tight right now, but we Americans still have it better than any country in the world. Yes, we have some bad apples as politicians, governors, and mayors, but we have far more good ones than bad.
This generation needs to wake up and realize what a great country this is. Our forefathers sacrificed so much more and suffered for our freedom. They fought wars and lived through hard times that would make our day look like a day off. They lived through depression, droughts, and loosing everything but their dream of freedom. They dug in and overcame because they believed in the values of family and liberty.
The dream was never realized by many fathers and mothers but they were able to pass it on to their children and grandchildren who paid the price to see it come true. They instilled in those who would follow them, the value of hard work, honesty, integrity, and character. These values built a strong patriotic country. They asked for no handout nor did they receive any. They never believed anyone else was responsible for them. They were good neighbors and helped one another but retained their self-prided and dignity by not being weak or whiners.
What has happened to America? Have we become a welfare country that wants a socialist government? If we do, you think things are bad now, wait until that takes place. Study history and talk to people under this kind of government and you will change your mind.
There is hope for or great country. I have faith in the American people. Most serious problems we had in the past, we solved by out-living them. We will out-live this one too. This is not a time to give up or give over, but to tighten your belt and by making a few adjustments, we will over come.
These are the times that humble us and make us seek what is truly valuable to us. We don’t have an economic problem as much as a moral problem. Stop listening to the negative and be positive and keep your vision and dream alive. History records that times like these produce great leaders who will lead us through this crisis.
People who believe in God handle times like these better than people who don’t. The reason is that we Christians realize this life on earth is only temporary. We don’t put our hope in materialism but in God. These material things don’t really bring true happiness nor bring security. Losing our soul is a lot more serious than losing our home.
Chaplain Bud,
What a great time to live in history; just to be alive in such a time as this! If you listen to the negative people, things are terrible. But it’s just not so for us in America.
Sure things are changing some, and things cost more, but we make more. Unemployment is down, people are working. Just think of other times and other countries and what people went through and are going through right now.
I’ll still stick with the saying: “Things go best for those who make the best of whatever they are going through.”
We, Americans, are spoiled by “Easy come, easy go.” Now is the time for cool heads and good ole common sense. It’s time to make do with what we have and be thankful. Think about it, what has real lasting value anyhow? Is it not your family and your God?
Hard work and change will make us better stewards of what we have. Maybe it’s time to eliminate the non-essentials and concentrate on what is really essential.
For too long we have placed too much value on material wealth. Now we have a chance to look at our value system and make some changes. What is really important? I believe it’s things like God, character, honesty, family, true friends, health, jobs, and each day, one more day of life.
Americans are learning a real lesson now. To over extend financially has severe consequences. We are learning that plastic is not real money. We are learning that you can’t have every modern gadget that comes along. We are learning that there are limits to things, and we can’t keep up with the Jones. We are learning that the love of money is the root of all evil. We are learning that the past generations were not so dumb after all. We are learning to budget and value a good, steady job. We are learning the value of family and true friendship. But most of all, we are learning that life is short, and everything is so temporary.
These times, in the history of a country, are called defining moments. Things are happening today that are going to chart the future for America. To some it will mean failure and disaster. But for most who make the necessary adjustment, it will be okay. Some will be whiners and quitters, but others will be over-comers and live lives that are successful and make a difference. Out of necessity comes invention and strong people.
Here is the secret. Turn your burdens into blessings. Turn your problems into opportunities. Be thankful for what you have, and be willing to share with others. Live as if this day is your last, but prepare like you will live forever. Don’t be a victim, be a conqueror. Have a tender heart and a tough hide. Pick your friends wisely. Above all, never sell your character or integrity.
“If your outgo is more than your income, your upkeep will be your downfall.”
I’ll repeat: It’s a great time in history to live. Make the best of it, and be the best. God is counting on you, and so is your family.
Chaplin Bud