Curve Balls

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As the baseball season in the U.S. proceeds to the epic World Series, those who love the sport are watching every pitch, swing, and strategy. One of the balls that spell a challenge is the curve ball and it’s designed to do exactly that. A curveball is a breaking pitch that has more movement than just about any other pitch. It is thrown slower and with more overall break than a slider, and it is used to keep hitters off-balance. When executed correctly by a pitcher, a batter expecting a fastball will swing too early and over the top of the curveball. Trouble for sure.

Curve balls are meant to be unexpected to keep the hitter off balance, but baseball isn’t the only arena where curve balls happen. Most of you know curve balls happen and come at us in life more than once or twice in our lives and the result of throwing us off-balance is the same.

In life they come in every area and variety. It can be financially because of a job change or loss or a collapse of the economy. It can be relationally when out of nowhere our family is torn apart for some reason we didn’t see coming or when a close friendship radically changes, and we suffer loss. It can be spiritually when a belief we held dear is upended by any number of devices the enemy has up his sleeve. It can certainly be physical when an illness or accident comes at us that we are helpless to stop.

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What curve ball has come at you most recently? How did it impact you? What sustained you?

Whatever your answers, the most skilled hitter can tell you the whole deal about curve balls is they can never be conquered to assure you are not upended because you have no control.

That’s how curve balls in life can feel as well even though how we have lived, what has sustained us and served us on ordinary days do make a difference in how we handle the ordeal and its results. Those little habits you utilize every day in every area of your life can make a difference when that crunch time comes whether that is in how you manage money, how you disciple your spiritual life, or how you steward your health.

I know they have been happening to many of you who write blog posts as I read about them week in and week out. I suspect others when a writer who posts regularly suddenly is not there on the usual days with words of encouragement and inspiration. When they write again, I hear some of the story and glean what served them well during that time.

I have had my fair share of curve balls, but I don’t always write about them. Perhaps that is because I am aware whatever curve ball comes or when is not predictable but the reality that they come isn’t. None of us are singled out. It goes with living on a fallen earth where sin, disease, sickness, etc. are the norm.

For the first time since I started this website in 2015, a curve ball coming at me has meant I have not written anything for two weeks. For some of you who visit here regularly, you may have noticed.

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My curve ball came while I was in another state enjoying the celebration of a bridal shower for our oldest grandson’s future bride. With the abruptness of a sharp wind blowing open a door, I was hit with a severe strain of influenza that sent my temperature soaring and my sleep perpetually interrupted with a cough that wouldn’t quit. My daughter jumped into action as we sought to protect my husband from the illness and got me to an ER and recommendations that I have been following ever since I arrived home again a week ago.

Even so, this virus has been relentless in not being willing to totally release its grip. Each day is a small improvement until today I am back at my computer while not having a full voice or usual energy.

It was a fresh reminder of the suddenness of curve balls, a reminder of needing to trust in the Lord who has seen me through other curve balls, and never to take my good health for granted. Never have I had the flu like this, and it has been many years since I have been as ill as I have been, but God still protected me from what could have been worse. Friends brought meals when we returned home, and my husband has been ever attentive as I move on the road to recovery.

In this life, curve balls will keep happening. Hold fast to the One who has brought you along the journey thus far, no matter where the ball comes from. He will never leave or forsake you on the journey.

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17 thoughts on “Curve Balls

  1. Pam, I’m sorry that you were so sick! I pray that you are back on your feet by now. I understand about curve balls, too. As you said, they come to us all. I try to take heart in knowing that God allows them for our good and His glory and that the two are inseparable. But that doesn’t mean they are fun when they do come.

    1. It’s been 3+ weeks and much better but still dealing with fluid in my ears affecting my healing as a result of the inflammation from the virus and not being able to get my fall seasonal allergy shots yet. It’s been a test of patience for sure. You’re right, curve balls are not fun when they come at us and upend us for a bit.๐Ÿ’•

  2. Yes, Pam, I did notice you werenโ€™t here. Iโ€™m so sorry to hear you had such a bad case of a curve ball of influenza. Youโ€™re probably tired of resting, but please rest as much as you need to. Sending get well prayers your way my friend.
    Visiting today from IMM #1,2&36

  3. Awww, Pam. I’m sorry you’ve been so sick! I appreciate the analogy of a curveball and your transparency in sharing your recent curveball. You’re right though. When we keep to consistent daily habits (especially time with the Lord), we can be more grounded when the winds rage into our lives. Thanks for this reminder.

  4. Pam, I am so glad you are on the mend. Thank you for using this time to remind us all to stay grounded in God’s Word each day so the curve balls of life won’t have their full impact on our lives. We may be sidelined for a bit but come back strong. Praying for you!

    1. Thanks. It’s been quite a two weeks and more doctors’ appointments tomorrow.but better…just slow.๐Ÿ’•๐Ÿ’•

  5. I understand about curve balls … and it is so true the habits we build our life upon will help when a curveball comes.

    Praying the flu loosens its grip and healing comes soon for you.

  6. Pam,
    Your post makes me realize we need to “practice with the small stuff” — taking small problems to God so that when the really big curve ball comes (and it will) we are in the habit of utterly relying and depending upon God. Praying for your health and healing and so thankful God never leaves nor forsakes us!
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

    1. You’re exactly on point with practicing with the small stuff, Bev. Thanks for your prayers๐Ÿ’

  7. Thank you for using this “curve ball” in your life to encourage us with the unexpected circumstances we face. I am praying for God’s provision over you as well, dear friend!

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