Saturday on a Different Field

No games today.  Should be a day to sleep in, right?

Why am I at a computer typing instead of watching the back of my eyelids?

We will spend the day on a field of a different kind: a field of service.

The girls I've been coaching in softball are gathering at Monroe Circle this morning to do some work in their food pantry.  The afternoon will be spent working their community garden.  It is a field of service to the community and something that everyone should do in some form. A reminder how blessed we are to play the games we love.

Hunger is still prevalent in our communities, no matter where we live.  Tough economy of the last five years, spiraling costs for basic needs, and credit crunch have brought a lot of people to difficult means.  Food pantry usage is still strong, and donations tight.  People willing to work to serve the less fortunate in our communities are even harder to come by.

The St. Joseph County Surge, by program requirement, must serve at least twice a year in the community.  It is a requirement and a reminder.  We are all on a field everyday.  While there may not be foul lines, games must be won against opponents no less relentless: hunger, disease, nakedness, homelessness.

Someone's life might be changed today.  Someone may see these young ladies serving them and decide to change something.  Someone might hear some positive talk and remember a day when they day had everything in front of them and still do.  A player may decide they need to spend their lives serving in some form, somewhere.  I love seeing a player get dirty, especially in a garden.

After all, we're all still on a field.

So...am I off base?