Ball Game, part 2 (extra innings)

After a little feedback from friends and a Louisville Slugger to the head (courtesy of an anonymous comment on my 'flaky' analogy posted a few weeks ago), I thought I'd elaborate a little on the baseball/dating comparison:

1. This analogy is probably more fitting to a baseball practice or baseball tryouts. Don't take it beyond the pitcher-batter idea.

2. Consider it, women who are pursuing men that are NOT stepping up to the plate does not help them to STEP UP and be a MAN. Men need to STAND UP and put forth their best effort. They need the challenge and the chase. Each situation is different, but a healthy relationship is based on the fact that each person inspires the other to be their best- in a simple and wonderful, kind of way. I would not recommend that women date the guys that are forever languishing in the dugout. But everyone has that choice. The point of dating and life is that men learn how to step up to the plate. The dudes who NEVER step out of the dugout just get booted off the team anyway. Women- be your best and the men that can handle what you dish out will be the ones that chase you. Birds of a feather flock together, but the scriptural reference says it best.

3. Men: It may appear that some women are not pitching at all when you are doing your best to ask for a pitch. She may be pitching or winking elsewhere.

4. Women: Just because a particular fellow is not stepping up to your plate does not mean he is not doing his best to hammer a homer (connect) or get a pitch elsewhere.

5. We have a limited view of each other as we live in our little worlds. Sometimes we become generally frustrated that a certain person(s) is not doing what we want s/he to do. Thus the need to gain perspective from other sources.

6. Amen to the comment left on the post: "It's easy to lose track of the whole doggone' game when you're hanging out in the dingy dugout with the boys." That is very true.

7. Also in response to the same comment: Getting "beaned" in the head with a fastball while sitting in the dugout WOULD be a great wake-up call. It may even put a fellow in the hospital. Lighting a fire under the pine bench in the dugout might be even a better idea.

Dating and courting does really hurt now and then, believe me. The pain can inspire growth and understanding or make one retreat (both can be equally helpful). But it is only when we take the greatest risks that we can expect the greatest returns. Though I often feel like a "Little League" kid when I step up to the plate, awkward and inadequate, I must say that the dating/courting experiences that I have had are some of the most rewarding of my life.

Thanks for all of the feedback- it has given me more insight.