Optimism
Just two weeks ago our country held what we call the mid-term elections. In late October, Major League Baseball played the last games of this season. In both cases, many folks were delighted with the results. Many were disappointed. 
I belong to a group who saw an opportunity to teach our children about optimism and confidence. Our institutions stood strong.
The election process worked as it was intended. People voted mostly without obstacles and winners were declared by the larger number of votes cast. Confidence prevailed. There are times when we disagree with each other. Recently, those disagreements have played out intensely and often with disrespect. People began to lose faith. But this month, many of those disagreements were addressed peacefully and civilly through the ballot box. A theory of government – by the people – put in place now 250 years ago continues to work. While the differences may persist, the people had their say… because the rules were followed and the process endured once again.
The World Series
Just before the mid-terms, I watched the World Series. Baseball is also one of our American institutions. It is also a game of rules that must be followed specifically and consistently. Strikes are strikes; balls are balls. Runners are safe, runners are out. Hits are fair or foul. Always there are umpires to make calls and enforce the rules.
The game is played on a field where there are boundaries. Foul lines, base lines, batter boxes. Although the various 
ball parks are unique in structure, they generally are the same. So the players know what to expect and the game can be played consistently and fairly. These parameters give us optimism that the game will hold up. Players can perform to the best of their abilities without worrying that the rules will change in the middle of the game. Spectators can watch and enjoy… all knowing that the game will survive as it has for so many decades.
And so it is with our country. We should have faith that our institutions will endure, that the parameters will be refreshed every day, that the rules will remain, that those making the calls and enforcing the rules will do so without passion or prejudice. Like the stadiums, the local polling places and machines may differ, but the institution of voting is sacred. So, voters can focus on their responsibility to choose rather than worry that those rules might change.
Living with the Results
Between baseball seasons and elections, folks will debate appropriately the need for changes in process and parameters, but once the game begins, everyone can rely on the setting. For many years, the electoral process has worked. Workers who man the polls and count the votes do outstanding work with integrity and dedication. Umpires and grounds crews do the same. Occasionally the outcome of these contests are not to our liking. But we live with the result, no matter how painful, because before long, there will be a chance to play again. That’s how it works. That’s what gives me optimism.
Perhaps James Earl Jones could have been talking about both our democracy and baseball when he said, “The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball [democracy]. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball [democracy] has marked the time. This field, this game: it’s a part of our past, Ray. It reminds us of all that once was good, and it could be again.” Field of Dreams
First Easy Pass
I just finished reading Ged Doughton’s book, First Easy Pass. It is a fable about how a former college basketball player applies the lessons learned on the basketball court to the evolving seasons of his life. Mr. Doughton helps us understand that in basketball, like in life, rather than always looking to execute the spectacular play, it is best to make the first easy pass. The pass that can get the play started and then develop into success. A idea that can be applied throughout our lives.
How many times in the baseball playoffs did we see well-intended, yet anxious players try to make a spectacular play. Stretching a double into a triple, swinging for the fence rather than putting the ball in play, or making a throw to home rather than hitting the cutoff man. Often those decisions led to the third out, a strikeout or an error. Sometimes those risks are advisable, but frequently it is better to take the sure step. Interestingly, the two teams that made it to the World Series took that path to success. They did the small things first. Get on base however you can. Hit the cutoff man. Make the first easy pass. The Brewers said, “Win our Way. Believe and good things will happen.” At Be There Dad, we regularly call upon our dads to “do something.” Move the ball.
Move
Optimism requires that everyone takes responsibility. In his book, Admiral William H. McRaven, suggests that everyone starts their day by “making their bed”. Every day. Do one positive task and see what follows. But our responsibility shouldn’t stop there. As Mr. Doughton explains, once you make the first pass, you must continue to move, to “get open” to receive a return pass. On the diamond, the cutoff man takes the first throw, then whirls and relays the ball to the catcher. The pitcher makes the pitch, then moves to back up the throw from the outfield. Voters did the same. Voting is the first easy pass. The elected officials receive the pass, then do their job. Voters find a place to participate in our democracy and support them. In Be There Dad parlance, be present and good things will happen.
Optimism Can Prevail
We have often said, “the game is the best teacher.” This fall, we were schooled once again. Some 125 million people voted. The turnout was historically high. Winners were elected. The World Series was sold out. A champion was declared. I think it shows that people still believe in the institutions we hold dear. Umpires and election officials are dedicated to observe and make the right calls. The rules will be enforced, and the game will be played within the lines that have been drawn. Our institutions have been built sturdily, so people will come with confidence. Life will go on. Optimism can prevail. We hold it in our hands.
