Friday, May 23, 2008

How Do You Want To Be Remembered?

How Do You Want To Be Remembered?
Sabrina and I just finished watching a movie called "Final Season". It was a movie recommended to us by her Mom, which for me usually should trigger red flags, but for the most part, we do have some similiar likings in movies. I actually finally watched Lord of the Rings for the first time when she had gotten it and her and Sabrina were watching it. Now, I love that whoe trilogy and one day will read the books. But, I'm drifting from my story.

So, we watch this movie and it's a very good story. Based on a true story of a school in Iowa that is facing consolidation with another school to cut costs. This school had a big thing going for them in their baseball program. 19 titles. Can they go out with a bang? New coach comes in to fill in huge shoes and the town thinks they have a snowball's chance in Maricaibo in winning. Ok, the town's people probably would have said hell, but I thought I'd clean it up a bit. haha Anyway, they perservere and they get to the state championship. The new coach, played by Sean Astin, asks them, How do you want to be remembered?

I've had my share of dreams in my life. I had forgotten that at one point in my life, I wished I coud play baseball. I used to throw a tennis ball against the back of the house (it was a plaster wall). My brother would play a bit with me and I would catch him pitching softball to me. He was a good pitcher. Good catcher. Good hitter. I collected baseball cards. Had a little pitchback. I had one problem. I was fat. That didn't lend me for speed. My coordination was, and still is, lousy. I usually got picked on by the students. I had one really good friend who played little league with me. I'm glad he was around. The team I was on was a scrappy lot. The guys who pitched were good and usually traded off between pitching and catching. Our shortstop had an arm like a wild rifle. I think at times he must have thought I was Wilt Chamberlain and could jump a mile trying to catch his throws from shortstop (I was at first base). The kid who played 2nd base was good. We wound up being short in the outfield because we never seemed to have enough players to fill the lineup. The coaches were ok but I didn't feel like they were the best encouragers to me. So, the next season, I moved up but after 4 games, I had had enough. I didn't get along with the kids, the coaches or anyone. They pretty much left me feeling hopeless about myself. So, I gave up those dreams of playing ball.

Music was my next dream. Thankfully, the lyrics I had written in high school are gone because looking back, I would never have made it with the stuff I had written. Not original enough. My influence came so strong from other bands that I never made anything my own. So, on through school I went, not really knowing what I wanted to do with my life. After graduating, I went to work with my Dad and stayed at that job for 16 years. Sabrina and I moved to Alabama where I work at a UPS Store. Not exactly where I thought I'd be but it's a job and I guess it's better than nothing. I guess my next dream is ministry. Or counseling. Or something along those lines. I dream that I can make a difference in people's lives. A real difference. And prayerfully, one that involves eternity.

How do I want to be remembered? I'm not sure I can answer that question just yet. For those who read this? Maybe you can help me with the answers. :)