In the summer of 2006 our son, who was nine at the time, was diagnosed with Childhood Onset Bi-Polar Disorder.  While I was shocked to hear the diagnosis; once I read up on the symptoms that had been exhibited for years, it was clear the diagnosis was correct.  In the early days of the diagnosis, therapy was the main course of treatment. Medication had not yet been prescribed since we were searching for the best pediatric specialist for our son.  By mid summer we were all adjusting to recognising triggers and using ways to help us all work through rages and meltdowns. It required a lot of patience from all of us. One of our favorite pastimes for many years has been watching our beloved Atlanta Braves play ball.  While most of our games are viewed on our TV, we are fortunate to live within an hour of where they play ball.  We usually attend several games each year. 

As we looked over the 2006 schedule to find the summer games we preferred, we found that one of the options that worked for us included one of the fan souvenir giveaways.  The night we chose included souvenir mini wooden bats for the first 20,000 or so fans through the gates.  Allowing for possible traffic jams, parking and getting to the gate, we planned to leave several hours early to ensure our son got one of those bats. Well, one issue after another led us to arrive barely in time to be seated before first pitch.  So, all those souvenir bats had long been given out.  I quickly prepared my mind for a rough night.  I knew how much our son was looking forward to getting one of those bats. I anticipated the disappointment bringing on a meltdown.  It didn’t help that most of the people seated around us had received one of the much desired bats. The first few innings went surprisingly smoothly.  Still, I anticipated a meltdown at some point. 

I don’t recall who the Braves played that night, but as the game progressed, the score was not one we hoped for.  It was not looking good for the home team by the 7th inning stretch.  Our son has been a huge sports fan since age three.  He loves college football, soccer, and major league baseball.  He was – and is – very animated and vocal during a game.  But as this Braves game was drawing to an end, he actually remained fairly quiet.  To me this was a warning sign that a meltdown was headed our way, but he continued to remain calm and didn’t complain about the game score or the bats that many around us had.  I began to realize just how hard he was working to stay positive, calm, and in control of his emotions.  

The game ended with our much loved Braves on the losing side and we joined the spirit dampened crowds as we exited Turner Field.  After a Braves win, fans are normally animated, talkative, and full of joy when taking those long walks back to transportation.  After a loss however, heads are down, quiet discussions are held, and no sounds of joy are heard. As we exited the gates of Turner Field and crossed the street, I began to silently pray.  I first thanked God for the calmness our son was exhibiting.  I thanked HIM for working in our son’s heart and mind to help him overcome his natural instincts.  (After all, any nine year old boy would probably have been upset that his team lost, not to mention not getting one of those bats.)  I poured my heart out to God silently telling him how hard our son had worked that night and in previous weeks to overcome the disorder.  Then, I boldly told God I felt that our son’s hard work should be rewarded. I was bold enough to then ask God to reward him by having someone around us hand him their souvenir bat.  Immediately after I prayed this, a young woman walking in front of us suddenly stopped, turned around, and held out her bat.  There was a young man with her with a bat of his own and she stated “We don’t need two bats, so please take this one.”  We said thank you and accepted the bat as she turned around and kept walking.  We continued walking to our car in silence for the most part.  I was so stunned I couldn’t say anything for a while.  That was the FASTEST ANSWERED TO A PRAYER I have ever had.  

Once in the car, I told my husband and son that I had prayed for him to get a bat. I don’t remember their responses or much of the ride home. I do remember having moments of shock that my prayer was answered so quickly. I even thought for a moment that it was such a minor thing to “bug” God for. But HIS quick answer to that heartfelt prayer reminded me that HE wants us to take all our cares to him.  No matter how large or how small they may seem.  It reminded me that HE too saw how hard our son had been working to control his outbursts, and that doing so on a night that had initially held so much excitement did need to be rewarded!  

What a happy ending to a heartfelt prayer!  I still fight off tears when I share this event. But years later I shared this story with a group of kids during my ministry time at our church. The adult volunteer in the room asked me if I told that young woman that my prayer had prompted her to turn around. I was shocked to realize I had not even thought of doing so that night!  Of course, I was in total shock and amazement that God had answered that prayer. I was so focused on my son that I didn’t even consider that possibility. But I missed an opportunity to share how God had used her to answer my prayer.   

His question prompted me to remember the day someone I had not seen in years shared her story with me. She thanked me for the impact I had on her life. She told me how God had used me to help her choose a new career, one that she absolutely loved – and still does to this day!  When I remember how I felt hearing her story, I realize that I too should always take the time to let those that impact my life in a positive way know how thankful I am.  More importantly, when God uses someone to answer my prayers, I should let them know how HE used them. Not everyone HE uses to answer a prayer knows God themselves.  But maybe by sharing how HE used them to help me, hopefully they will have a desire to know HIM as I do.  As hard as I try to remember to do so, I am sure I have missed a few opportunities to show someone HIS love. I plan to keep working on that!  

‘”Cast all your care on the LORD and he will sustain you”. Psalm 55:22

“Cast all your anxiety on HIM because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7