Tomato Reprise

This spring I decided to plant some cherry tomato seeds. A couple frosts later, I begrudgingly went to the store and just bought a nicely sized tomato plant. The store plant did well, living on my roof, and it gave me a couple tomatoes before dieing about a month ago. Meanwhile, a few of my seeds miraculously came up. I planted them in a tray and set it outside my window.



The seedlings didn't look too healthy, and I saw such little activity from them that I was preparing my books for another write-down. About a week ago, though, I noticed little tiny tomatoes. By this time, I had forgotten that I'd planted cherry tomato seeds. I was pleased to have some fruit, but not so thrilled about the size...especially when they obstinately refused to grow larger. I chalked it up to the small planter tray that didn't let the roots stretch out or something like that. Just a couple days ago, the dwarf tomatoes actually began turning color, and I finally ate a few. It was only then that I remembered that these were the descendants of my cherry tomato seeds and all was right with the world after all.

A Football Player's Lament

Hey, hey, what do you say, he got the ball and hiked,
But things did not go quite as well, as Daniel would have liked.

Can’t tell you what all happened, for this one thing I know,
Working in the concession stand leaves no time for the show!

They must have tousled over the ball, and ran it up and down,
Or crashed headlong into a heap of players, upon the ground.

Not sure anyone saw it, for they were all down at the stand,
Buying hot dogs, pizza, pop and such and putting money in my hand!

But alas the lines there dwindled, and the noise too died down,
And I heard the words, “We’re losing,” and knew there’d be a frown.

It’s so hard to lose at high school sports, and feel the crushing defeat,
But he will learn that losing a game includes how defeat to meet.

To strive to do your very best, and realizing all the more,
How loved and valued you really are, despite the final score.

For winning is so much bigger than playing a game and not losing,
Loving Him, and one another, is winning of our God’s choosing.

Having the heart of our Father, and caring for your “brother,”
This is winning that really counts, and truly helps each other.

So pick yourself up, learn what you must, and keep on keeping on,
Striving to grow as our Father intends, long after the game is done.


"With borrowed will, 'Get up', she said, 'You haven't lost at all, for winning is not more than this: to rise each time you fall.'"
-- D.H. Groberg