I would be minding my own business kicking rocks in right field when the trance-piercing voice of Turcotte at short stop would rouse us all back to the reality of our situation: "A little chatter in the outfield!" Then would follow a revived trio of mildly convincing acclamations to the pitcher regarding the unsurpassable wonders of her arm, the inferiority of the hubris opposing her, and exhortations to dispatch the Philistine with three swift strikes.

Now, decades later, I am seeing the relevance of this in the hands of the One who came not only to change my life but to change my day.

"He is able to help those who are being tempted" (Hebrews 2:18).

Monday morning. It begins, for you as for me, with a quick reorientation to the surroundings: Who am I? Am I OK or not OK? Am I married or single, young or old, ugly or pretty, healthy or sick, in trouble at work? Am I on the outs with anyone?