Team Sports...

Will decided that he wanted to play soccer. We signed him up for team camp over the summer and he really enjoyed it. He decided that after that he might want to play on a team. So we gave him a while to decide and he said he wanted to play. I believe it is important for you to know, that we told him we didn't care one way or the other. It was HIS decision, but one he would have to stick with. So he says yes.

Fast forward to last week. Tuesday was the first game, he has had a practice and did really well. Tuesday he changed his mind. He played the first 5 minutes, that is like an inning in baseball, and decided that he didn't like it. He comes running off the field tears streaming down his cheeks, "Mom, I don't like it, I am no good", he says. "I can't make a goal and I want to go home." There was a part of me that wanted to wrap him up and leave, but the other part took over. "Will, your team is counting on you. It doesn't matter if you make a goal, but you have to try your best and help your team," I reply to my sobbing child. "But mom, I am better at baseball." "Doesn't matter right now Will, you have to play, you signed up and you are a part of this team, go on, it's your turn again. I am right here watching."

He takes the field, but not without a fuss and he stands in the middle of it crying, but I make him play anyway. I am not sure what the other parents thought, most of you know I don't care much. I was teaching a lesson, a hard one, but a lesson no matter. I made him play the whole game and I know he didn't like it, he didn't like me much either, but he was learning a lesson. Thursday night replayed much the same way, except by half time he was ready to play. They were short 2 players and I think he realized that he was part of the team. He smiled, he ran, he played, he had a GOOD time. For us it is not about how good he is, or how good he becomes, it is that he tries hard and he has a great time doing so. When we left he asked when the next game was, "I am ready to play mom, maybe I'll make a goal, or not, but I am ready."

Life is a team sport, I think my family is my "team". I don't always want to play. I think my conversations with God go like this, " I don't want to be a mom/wife today Lord. I am not all that good at it and I am really just tired." "I know you are Michelle," replies my Lord, "but they need you today, your team is counting on you." "Go on, get up, you can do it and I will be right here to cheer you on." "Okay, Lord, but I am really not in the mood, I think I would better at something else." By the days end I am glad I played, I enjoyed it and I made a goal or two, or maybe not. Either way, I am ready for tomorrow. Maybe I will score then, doesn't matter, I know He is cheering me on, just like we are for Will.

Be Blessed...