I don’t know about you, but I remember smells better than I do anything else. One of my favorites was from the softball field. Yes, the softball field.

Second base was my position and I absolutely loved it. For one, it was awesome to stand next my base on cool spring evenings when a light breeze would blow through the infield, raising up the dust. And of course, almost every girl on the team was chewing a mouthful of grape bubble gum.

That wafting breeze carried the mixed scent of the dirt and grape bubble gum. To me it was the smell of youth and having fun. I would close my eyes and put my face into the breeze as I sniffed and sniffed.

Looking back, I wonder how many people sitting in the stands were watching me and thought, “What in the world is that girl doing?”

Also, I loved playing second base because I always wanted to be in the midst of the action. Actually, I’m still like that. Sitting still is not for me. That being said, playing that position was a big responsibility, but it didn’t really stress me that much unless I had to relay a ball from an outfielder.

When that happened, the outfielder threw the ball to me and I threw it to another infielder. That was no big deal unless a runner was heading toward home plate. That’s when I felt the pressure because time was of the essence. Every second brought her closer to scoring.

As soon as the ball hit my glove, I wrapped my hand around it as I spun around. By the time I was facing the catcher, the ball had left my hand. And let me tell you, I zinged that ball.

“Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)

I didn’t casually underhand the ball or gently toss it so that it couldn’t even reach the catcher’s mitt. I didn’t run it to the catcher or try to get the runner out myself. I threw that ball with everything I had. And once that ball left my hand, I didn’t run up to the catcher and ask for it back. It was the catcher’s responsibility now.

To me, that is what the above verse is describing.
The word “cast” has different meanings in the Bible. In this context, it means to forcibly throw. God didn’t say “hand” or “toss” your cares or worries. He instructs us to cast them upon Him. Throw them to Him with some force. That way, they are gone once they leave our grasps.

So rear back and zing your anxieties to Him. Trust me, there’s nothing that He can’t catch. Besides, holding onto them will do you no good.

“And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?” Luke 12:25 (KJV)

Let me tell you, watching the catcher catch your ball and get the runner out is one of the best feelings. It’s almost as good as smelling dirt and grape bubble gum.

By the way, the picture is of my daughter when she played softball. They didn’t make individual ball pictures back in the 70s. Even if they did, I probably wouldn’t want others to see it.