When I was a wee lad, about five years old, my favorite toy was Doggie, a cuddly-soft stuffed animal. This little guy had floppy cloth ears and black button eyes. I played with him during the day and held him tight every night as I drifted off to sleep. Doggie got a lot of my playtime and love, so much so that his fur eventually became worn, an … [Read more...]
Remembering the past puts joy and gratitude in the present
The children are home from college this week to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and some needed time off from their studies. Our house, which is spacious while they are away at college, is one again crowded and noisy. I love it. Don’t get me wrong, my wife and I enjoy living in an “empty nest” during the school year. Our conversations are longer … [Read more...]
It takes strong faith and a sincere heart to cheer for the Cubs
Two weeks ago (in 2007) I was at Wrigley Field in Chicago, watching the Cubs beat the Pirates and step toward the playoffs. As I drove home, I imagined conversations that might be heard if a Chicago sports talk program aired on a religious radio station. Good morning, this is Father Michael Patrick O’Connor talking to you live from our studio … [Read more...]
Baseball delivers strong personal & family values
"I believe in the church of baseball." – Bull Durham You can learn a lot through baseball. I don’t mean the easy stuff, such as wrapping a rubber band around your well-oiled glove with a ball inside and placing it under your mattress all night to break it in; or never putting your favorite Mickey Mantle baseball card in the spokes of your … [Read more...]
Spend the most time on what matters the most
"If I were a rich man…” - Sung by Tevye in The Fiddler on the Roof A couple of years ago, before Tennesseans could buy lottery tickets at the corner store, I drove to Kentucky to buy Powerball tickets. I think I spent five dollars on tickets and probably more on gas. But in the category of “entertainment dollars,” this money was well … [Read more...]