I am Thankful for playing catch.

Don't run away from difficult conversations.

It’s Thanksgiving! There are so many reasons to be thankful. I am thankful to my wonderful wife and my amazing kids. I am thankful for my church, bible study, and community. My employees for working so hard during the busy season, and my customers for their continued support.

I am thankful to all the subscribers and readers out there!

I am particularly thankful for playing catch with my middle son Oliver this year. It’s often the highlight of my day, and I hope he will fondly look back on the time we spent together throwing and talking when he is older.

Oliver is my stepson, although I have been his father figure since he was two. I never really think of him as my stepson. I see so much of myself in him, both good and bad habits. Because his family relationships are more complicated than others, he has to tackle adult problems at an earlier age. Throwing the baseball gives us an opportunity to release some frustration, talk about problems, and build knowledge.

Yesterday, in the middle of teaching him how to throw a curve, knuckle, and slider, he shared with me some difficulties he is having in one of his relationships. He asked me for advice. I was happy to share.

I will keep the problem he faces private, but the gist is that something significant needs to be discussed between him and a loved one. He tried to have the conversation and was dismissed. Other arguments were brought up to hurt his feelings and distract him. He worries that he is the problem, but he handles himself well. I reassured him that it was ok not to back down. People will often inadvertently make you feel like you are in the wrong when they are trying to avoid accountability. But love, in a lot of ways, is accountability. Showing love is not backing down, maintaining respect, and finding a way to have a difficult conversation.

I shared different perspectives that he may not have considered. I reminded him that none of us are perfect and that he should work on forgiveness. I also told him not to get distracted by the other arguments and not to give up on having the discussion. He is a good kid, and his intentions are good. He wants a strong relationship with this person, so he has an obligation to have difficult conversations.

I related with him by sharing my struggle to have a national conversation about representation. People sometimes make me feel like I am doing something wrong, or I get distracted by them talking about Trump, Biden, Elon, or Rogan. I can be angry and let it get me down, which I admit happens sometimes, or I can do better. Forgive them what they do not know and keep trying to teach. Find another way to have the conversation and help people realize that talking about representation helps all of us have a stronger and better relationship with our government.

By the end, my arm was sore, and my hand was stinging. The boy throws hard. I don’t have all the answers, but I do my best to teach what I know and love him. I walked away, impressed by what a wonderful and thoughtful young man he’s becoming. When the years wind down, and I am lying in wait to meet my maker, it’s these moments I will cherish.

Thank you for reading! I hope you have a great Thanksgiving with your family!

Peace and Love,

Jeff Mayhugh