Recently, the Overland Park Rotary began with a poignant moment of inspiration brought to us by David Austin, Club Secretary. Reading Pope Francis’; Do You Want to Fast this Lent? from February 28, 2017: Fast from hurting words, and say kind words - Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude - Fast from anger and be filled with patience - Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope - Fast from worries and have trust in God - Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity - Fast from pressures and be prayerful - Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy - Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others - Fast from grudges and be reconciled - Fast from words and be silent so you can listen …
Trey Meyer, Umpire Supervisor for 3 & 2 Baseball, followed the moment of inspiration to share the great need of umpires for Johnson County Youth Sports. The shortage of umpires is due to the inability to pay competitive compensation and the increase in unsportsmanlike behavior of fans, coaches, players, and others. In a matter of moments, we listened of how it ought to be and then, the reality of what is as Trey shared his reason for the shortage of umpires … I’ve continued to ruminate on this.
Our Rotarian 4-Way Test encapsulates the challenge of Pope Francis, may we strive to not only “do” but “be” … seeking to make a difference for good, as it ought to be.
(If you are interested in being part of the Umpire solution please contact 3 & 2 Baseball at 913-888-8055 or send an email to: 3and2uic@gmail.com )