Spring, Reds Baseball, Simplier times.

Most of you have a favorite time of year, mine happens to be spring. There is nothing quite like waking up to 40 degree tempatures then driving home from work to a warming 70 degree breeze! Among the many things I love about the spring, the beginning Reds baseball happens to be my favorite. I know.. the Reds are almost always dissapointing but I am truely not a fair weather fan. My Dad instilled a love for the Reds in me when I was just a little boy and that passion continues today. I remember in 1990 (the last time the Reds won the world series) my Dad out in the front yard screaming at the top of his lungs after that final pitch verse the Oakland A's. I remember my favorite players; the like of Chris Sabo, Billy Hatcher, Eric Davis, Barry Larkin, and who can forget the Nasty Boys. I use to love driving up with my brother and Dad to the games and coming over the hill in Cincinnati to see Riverfront Stadium and big city. To me, that was the greatest time. I remember walking across the bridge from Newport and looking down into the water and wondering whether the Reds would pull off the win. I remember always taking in my baseball glove in the hopes of catching a foul ball. I remember driving home after the game with Dad as he listened to 700 WLW and soothing sounds of Marty Brennamen and Joe Nuxhall analyze yet another Reds victory (or loss). I remember the crack of the bat during batting practice and the smell of hot dogs wafting through the air. yes, those indeed where simpilier times. There was no thoughts of Lupus, chemotherapy, kidney disease, and worries about how long I would live. There was no morning sickness from the scores of pills that I have to take, no afternoon lupus fog that impairs my thinking. There was no worrying that I may never find the women Im suppose to be with or whether or not I will ever have a family. Yes, simplier times.
Yet, through everything, this spring season gives me hope. Hope that I can live it to its fullest and enjoy the smells and sounds of the ballpark once again; the hope that I can enjoy a brisk walk on the golf course as I try and keep up with the forever long drives of my brother Adam, the hope that one day I will find that person I am suppose to be with. Through everything, God is faithful and Good. He provides in unimaginable ways and I know if I remain faithful to him, he will make sure that I have everything I need (not necessarily everything I want).
Today, I encourage each of you to exam what God had done in your life and to look forward to this spring for all the good things it brings.