“You don’t have to pitch again if you don’t want to. No one is making you. But I think it might help you remember your dad and all the good times you had with him.”
Jenny sniffed. “But what good would it do? Where would it take me? No college will touch me with those grades.”
Caroline again recognized herself in Jenny. All about the future, all about the end goal. “It doesn’t have to be about college. Not right now. You could just get back at it, work on your grades, and see what happens. See what purpose God has for you.”
Jenny scoffed. “I think He’s done with me after all I’ve done.”
Caroline smiled. “Not possible. God never gives up on any of us.”
“Maybe not.” Jenny had stopped crying and was tugging on a few of the strings on her glove.
They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes. Caroline watched as Jenny pulled her glove back on her hand.
“Can I try again?” she asked, her voice just above a whisper.
“Absolutely. Whenever you’re ready.”
Jenny pushed herself up to her feet, picking up another ball. She set her feet again, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes. Caroline could see the change in her face as she got ready to throw the ball. Her muscles relaxed, and light filled her eyes for the first time that afternoon.
Caroline watched as Jenny swung her arm back, took a long step, swung her arm up and around, and snapped the ball off at her hip. She watched as Jenny’s smile spread across her entire face as the ball smacked the net, perfectly in the green section.
She worked with Jenny for another half an hour, enjoying every minute. Softball was something she had avoided since her injury, and she now realized how much she missed it. No, she would never play again. And that was okay. Because she had discovered something else.
Helping others heal was also helping her.
———————————————————————
Sometimes God has a way of taking the things we think we’ve lost and using them in ways we never expected.
Here’s a glimpse into one of Caroline’s visits to Raintree Ranch—and a girl named Jenny who needs someone to remind her that God isn’t finished with her yet.
Caroline’s Lighthouse releases September 29!
Preorder your copy today!
One Word at a Time 