Finally...

Tonight Janelle and I went to our Softball game. We play in a "D" league with friends from the church. It's a fun time to do something together with others from the church, and I'm not the "in charge" person... just one of the guys (and gals).
Aaaaaanyway, I have played Softball for close to 15 years of my life. I'm not bad. I play outfield, and usually bat leadoff or second. But there's been one thing in my many years of playing that has eluded me. I have had several "in the park homeruns" but I have never hit one out of the park... over the fence... touch 'em all it's a goner put it on the board Yeeees It might be it could be it is homerun.
I have been Ahab, and the over-the-fence homerun is my Moby Dick.
Well, tonight, in the top of the 6th, I conquered my White Whale. Score, 9-9, one person on base. The pitch came in and I swung to hit it in the gap between the left and right center fielders.
When I connected, I thought I'd flied out. I kinda got under it too much, I thought. But it kept sailing... and sailing... until I saw it go!
The celebrating commenced! There was a scuffle out over the fence over who would own the first Derry Prenkert home run (okay there was noboby out there).

I'm not going to pretend this isn't a big deal to me. It was pretty special moment. There's a lot of 1st in life... I guess there's a first everything. A lot of times you don't catch them, but I've had some very cool firsts over the last month.

My first time speaking to the High School Students at GCC.
My first purchase of a car from a dealership.
My first time speaking at NMC's morning service.
My first wedding of a student from NMC.
My first softball HR.

The firsts always hold a special place in your heart.
Remember the first time you saw that God was real?
Remember that first time you truly encountered that Relationship with Christ?
Remember that first time his presence drove you to tears?
Remember that first time you knew you were hearing His voice?
Remember Him, your first love?

Revelation 2:2-5a
I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.