The First Baseball

I spent a couple hours this weekend first compiling and then keeping an eye on my fantasy baseball draft. I’m in a league with six of my colleagues and seven of our students. It’s the first year I’ve played, but I grew up watching the Red Sox (my Dad was born and raised in south Boston) and loving the sport, and I’m already anticipating getting into the groove, thinking about the sport every day once again.

So I thought this video about and reflection on the first baseball over at The High Calling was great, accompanied by a very short reflection:

The first baseball was invented by the son of a shoemaker as he doodled in class, then built with leather from his father’s shop. He didn’t see any profits from his idea, but he continues to take satisfaction in the joy his invention has brought to thousands of people.

Young Ellis Drake discovered something we as Christians are called to remember: the work of our hands reflects the gifts God has given us. When we build, when we write, when we create, we are participating in His work of Creation. The joy that comes with that knowledge is our real reward, whether we profit from our work or not. Even if you may not design the next baseball, your work—and your attitude—matters to God.

Here’s the rest.