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You’ve probably
already heard what happened last weekend when Central Washington and Western
Oregon faced off against each other in a softball game. At stake was a bid
to the NCAA’s Division II playoffs.
Western Oregon’s, Sara Tucholsky came to the plate with two runners on
base. Tucholsky was a lifetime .153 hitter and had never hit a homerun.
However things were about to change. She connected on a pitch and hit a
three run homer! Due to her excitement, she missed first base. So she
stopped and turned to go back to the base. But when she made the sudden
stop and turn, she collapsed to the ground, having torn her ACL.
That’s when things got interesting. Mallory Holtman and Liz Wallace, two
players on the opposing team offered to carry her around the bases so that
her homerun would not be counted as a single. So these two players gently
picked up Tucholsky, and carried her around the bases, allowing her to tap
each base along the way. After reaching home plate, these two girls handed
Tucholsky off to her own teammates.
They players, the coaches, and the people in the stands were applauding and
shedding tears because of this act of compassion. When asked later why she
did it, Mallory Holtman said that it was senior day and that if it had
happened to her, she would have wanted someone to come to her aid.
In other words, she was practicing the “Golden Rule” – Do unto others as you
would have them do unto you.” (paraphrased Matthew 7:12). Isn’t it amazing
how following the common principles of Jesus makes such an impact for good
in our world? Open your eyes to the possibilities before you. You may not
have the opportunity to carry someone around the bases, but if you look
around at school or at your job, you will find things you can do that can
have just as much impact on the lives of others. |