Perseverance

Today is the official last day of the regular MiLB season. It's a bittersweet feeling leaving this season behind. As you all know, it hasn't been the easiest of seasons for us. What started out in Spring Training as a complete high, with a world of opportunity in sight, was quickly short lived when Daniel experienced his first injury in mid May. That would only be the beginning of what would end up being one of three injuries this season (2 of which required surgery). It has most definitely been a trying year, but once again, by the Grace of God, I can truly say we are walking away from this year stronger in many ways.

I am not going to lie. We've definitely had our ups and downs as we coped with the realities of this baseball season. There were days when we'd experience so much peace, joy and hope and would be so full of confidence of the bright future ahead in baseball. But there were also days when we would put our eyes on our circumstance and be filled with some fear and doubt. When I say "we", I really mostly mean "me". Daniel has been unbelievably strong through this entire thing. Obviously, he's human and is entitled to his frustrations and has been upset over the situation at times. But for the most part, he has really been positive and I've seen how all this has really just given him even more drive to keeping fighting and pressing on towards this dream of his. There are many words I can use to describe my husband, but one in particular that stands out is "perseverance".

It still amazes me how quick things can change in this game of baseball. As far as winter ball goes, chances of Daniel playing oversees are slim because he has missed so much of the season and doesn't really have stats for the teams to go off. It's a bummer that you can go from hot on the radar one season to pretty much on a back-burner by the next. Last season, after Daniel's successful year, there was different opportunities with winterball. This year, there are no offers at all. It is a business though and understandable that when you are out the game, the game continues on without you. I've kinda been struggling with this, but at the same time, I am reminded that it still only takes one season to get "hot" again. I have an unbelievable peace that if the doors are closed right now, it is for a purpose. It will give Daniel more time to heal this offseason and I will never refute having my husband home with me!

We know this means Daniel will have to work that much harder next season, but we know the Lord is His strength and always has the final say.  I 100% believe in the abilities God has given Daniel in this game of baseball and I know this passion to play is for a purpose. What I'm continually being reminded of though, is that the purpose is bigger then just the game on the field or making it to the Big Leagues. The purpose is the opportunities were exposed to outside the barriers of left and right field. The purpose is the people we meet along the way. When I look back on this season, although it hasn't been what we would have thought it would be baseball wise, it has been unbelievably productive outside the field. We have seen God's power in ways we never have experienced before and we have seen such growth in some of the guys we've gotten to spend time with. For that, we are so extremely thankful and will rejoice.

Looking back on this season, we will choose to grow from it and celebrate the victories we did experience. The calling we have on our lives with this game is still in our hearts and we will press on and fight through the tough times that come along with it. We're looking forward to being back home in California and spending time with friends and family. I am most definitely looking forward to some beach time! Thank you to all of you who have supported us through prayers and encouraging words this past season. We are blessed with such an incredible support system! Looking forward to more adventures ahead :)