T-Ball Lessons and Growth

This year marks my granddaughter’s second season of T-ball, and what a difference a year makes. She’s grown more confident, a little stronger, and a lot more focused. Her team, a group of little athletes, plays not to win but to learn. Every game is a lesson, and every swing is a small step toward something greater.

They each get three tries to hit the ball from a coach’s pitch, and if they don’t make it, the trusty tee is there to help them succeed. Most of them still hit from the tee, and when they do, off they go running toward first base. Fielders scramble to find the ball, often tossing it in the general direction of the base, but the runner is always safe. Outs, home runs, and perfect plays aren’t the point here. The goal is learning, trying, and growing.

What makes it even more amazing is the encouragement that surrounds them. Parents on the sidelines, cheering for every swing and every step. Coaches are patient and kind, offering high-fives, gentle instruction, and heartfelt praise. No matter how small the progress, it is noticed and celebrated. These girls are not just learning the game; they’re learning that they are capable, supported, and valued.

It’s so adorable, half of the girls are playing in the dirt more than they’re playing the game, drawing pictures with their fingers or drawing circles with their feet in the dirt. But all the while, something beautiful is happening. They’re building a foundation.

Some of these girls will go on to other adventures in life, and some may stick with softball, growing into powerful hitters, skilled fielders, maybe even stars. But what’s happening now is deeper than softball. They’re learning confidence, resilience, and the importance of team work. They’re learning that failing doesn’t mean you stop; it means you try again, surrounded by people who believe in you.

As I watch them, I’m reminded of how God works in our lives. He doesn’t expect us to be experts right away. He delights in our small steps, our imperfect swings, our wobbly runs toward something new. Much like these little girls on the field, we’re all in training, learning to live in faith, to grow in character, to find to becoming the people God called us to be.

In life and in faith, we all start somewhere. And no matter how many times we miss or fall short, God patiently teaches us, encourages us, and celebrates each little success. We’re His children, learning, growing, sometimes playing in the dirt, but always under His watchful, loving eye.

Growth takes time whether it’s in the heart of a little girl swinging a bat or in our own walk with Christ, the beginnings are precious. With faith, love, and perseverance, and cheered on by those who believe in us, the small beginnings will one day turn into something beautiful.