Redemptive Suffering

 Jesus' suffering on the cross is the epitome of redemptive suffering.  He willing suffered because He loves us.  This came to mind, tonight, as I froze my butt off, watching my granddaughter play softball.  The game didn't get over till 8:30 pm.  The field's lights were on.  It was dark!  I was wrapped in a blanket and couldn't stop shivering.  

Why did I do it?  That's what parents and grandparents do for their loved ones.  They suffer out of love.  This also is redemptive suffering.  

Besides the fact, that even though these girls are sixth graders, I don't see any improvement in their playing, since they played Tee Ball.  When they throw; they overthrow.  They never catch anything.  Their pitchers walk everybody because they can't find the strike zone.  OY.  See, redemptive suffering.  

Youth Softball

 What inning are we in?
Fifth, much to my chagrin.
That’s all?
Ah, Softball.

I’ve endured the worst.
My own children, first.
Now grandchildren next,
Why am I so vexed!

If they throw it’s overhead,
they will surely miss, I dread.
No one can catch the ball,
They run and trip and fall.

Strike one, two, three
It's not easy you see.
The pitcher can’t throw.
Yet the batter gives it a go.

Look, she’s up, my little pup!
My heart gives a hiccup.
I hold my breath and will
her to drill it over the hill.

She swings and tips
the ball in the catcher’s mitts.
My heart feels very sad
Please don’t feel bad.

Mercifully the inning’s over
My pup’s now in the clover
Don’t worry no one can hit
But as luck would have it

Finally, the game is called
It's too dark the see the ball.
Who won?  It’s all the same.

Good game!  Good game!

We all acclaim, Good game!