by: Carole L. Haines (I am finishing the study in psalm 103 offline. It’s becoming a book.)
“3 And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)
My husband is a gentle man, a musical man, a deep man. But he’s tough as nails and knows how to walk through fire and ice for his family. This is a character trait he saw in his own parents, both nurses. Bruce’s Dad was a psychiatrics nurse for many years, He is now retired and is a writer. He wrote the following poem about Bruce, and it is a tale of bravery and perseverance as a young boy growing into a man on the baseball field. Enjoy!
A Line drive over second, by: Donald L. Haines
He didn’t have a love for baseball, not like his brothers did
but he played to keep us happy, he was just that kind of kid
He was never a star like his brother but gave it all he had
two innings in right, one at bat, for a kid of nine that ain’t bad.
Two years later, his brother gone, I held high a catcher’s gear
“We need a backstop for this season, do I have a volunteer?”
The kid stepped forward, “I’ll do it Dad!” As I choked back a tear.
I thought of his mom and what she’d say. This could be quite a year.
Some say the catcher’s job is dirty and toughest on the team.
But the kid who’d volunteered was tougher than he seemed.
Then came the day, of the violent collision, I knew the kid was hurt.
I ran to him, my own little boy, now lying helpless in the dirt
“Change his position!” his mother said. “He’s too small to be back there!”
But when I went to talk with Him, He fixed me with a Stare
“I’m the catcher for our team. I know how to take a hit!”
“So when my leg is better, Dad, give me back my mitt!”
Two years later he’s thirteen, on the same team as his brother
Two innings in right, one turn at bat, this satisfies his mother.
The big day came, we’re one run down, Runners on second and third
The Kid picks a bat, the cat calls come, only derision is heard
“Easy Meat!” !He can’t hit!” !We got this game we reckon!”
But the kid silences them all, with a line drive over second.
When my time on earth is through and my God to me does beckon
Among my last thoughts will be of that kid and a line drive over second.
(A Poem by: Donald L. Haines)
I am so proud of my husband. His character was developing into one of the greatest men to ever live as he played those games each week. SO proud to be his wife, bear his children, love him til death do us part. My husband truly does know how to take a hit for the team.
The Scripture that comes to mind for Bruce is this one above and here it is again.
3 And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)
hisshadowings.com 