My son has just started T-ball season in the 4-5 year old age group. Having just turned four in December, he is one of the youngest kids. Just prior to the evaluation training day, and I do mean just prior, he decided he wanted give it a shot. Mind you, he had never thrown a baseball or put on a glove. Needless to say, he was pretty challenged on the first round of fielding and throwing. So much so, that the coach did not heed my warning when it was his turn to bat. The coach was standing directly in front of the plate about ten feet away. I told him to back up, but it was clear that Trey's lack of experience left him unimpressed and not the least bit concerned.
Well, a very timely and lucky pirouette and he managed to save himself from severe "swelling" and pain. I could only say I told you so. Later, I let the coach know that while he had never fielded before, he had the designated hitter part down.
The interesting thing to watch though, was the coaches that took a moment to show, rather than tell Trey what to do. In fact, the one he connected with the most ended up being one of his team's coaches. We have practiced a bit the past few weeks, and they had a team practice the other day. Words cannot express the happiness on my son's face when he saw "HIS" coach. Really cool. The guy made an impact in that few moments that registered very well with Trey.
Truth is, this is not unlike working with a first-time home buyer. I can use a lot of technical terms and rush through the process, get frustrated and many more things. The result being a ticked off client that will surely give me a "telling" endorsement.
However, if I just take a moment to remember my first house, and all the emotion surrounding that transaction, I can make the process much, much smoother for them than it felt to me when I was in their shoes. It doesn't take much to achieve this outcome...nothing more than a bit of patience, acceptance and tolerance. Seems to me that is what I am meant to be anyway.
It is funny that Trey's first experience with T-ball is where the message to remember that was, but it is quite appropriate. The last card sent by mentor before he passed this past December was to Trey wishing him a Happy Birthday. The sentiment he added was, "Dear Trey, it sure has been fun watching you help your daddy grow up these past four years." How true. How true, indeed.
Bottom line, the message is always there if I pay attention, and when I do, I have a better chance of being better today than I was yesterday.
Have a great week people.
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