Encouragement

The pitcher wound up and threw another pitch.  Her shoulders slumped as the batter jumped on it and slammed it over the center fielder's head. I was watching my daughter's softball game and it had been a rough inning.  The other team suddenly seemed to be able to hit everything our pitcher threw at them. Our team and fans grew silent as we watched yet another run cross the plate. The coach called time.  He and the entire infield gathered at the pitcher's mound.  He talked to them for a little and then everyone resumed their positions. 
Suddenly, out of the stillness the catcher yelled, "You got this Katelyn! You are doing great!" The other infielders came to life and started pumping their gloves and yelling encouragement to the pitcher.  All of a sudden the outfielders picked up on it and called in words of encouragement from their positions. Katelyn wound up and whizzed a strike across the plate.  The fans cheered and Katelyn's teammates continued to tell her how great she was doing. Katelyn's shoulders straightened and she threw another strike.  On the next pitch, the batter hit a weak ground ball to first base.  After a few more pitches, we were suddenly out of the inning and the team came running off the field, patting Katelyn on the back and telling her what a good job she was doing.
I thought about this as I drove home from the game.  No, we did not win but the way the team came together and encouraged not only Katelyn but each other was heartwarming.  If only life could be that way.  How many times have we not bothered to give those words of encouragement that could have made someone's day. Do you remember when someone encouraged you and it made you hold your head higher?  Everyone needs encouragement and there is way too little of it being handed out.  I think sometimes we are just too busy and don't feel like taking time to write a note or an email of encouragment to someone who could really use it.  I am making a commitment to try to do or say something each day that will be an encouragement to someone.  How about you? ~ Mary