Mar. 20, 2009 - The Thrill of Victory!
Ah yes, the thrill of victory. Josh's Upward Basketball team finally got to experience it. They lost 4 games, tied one, and then finally got to taste victory.
As parents we want to teach good character qualities to our children. Sports can sometimes provide the moments and opportunities to do that. They get opportunities to grow their character when they lose as well as when they win.
It was just so fun watching that little team win. They wanted it so very badly. The moms in the stands also wanted it badly for our boys. The coaches wanted it even more so : ) The team was down by 11 points at the half, so it didn't look real promising. But, our team played with such heart. They just didn't give up. They really played as a team. There wasn't one player who could take sole credit for the win. It was so encouraging for me to watch.
The most thrilling part of the game was when there were about 30 seconds left in the game and the score was tied. Josh threw the ball up and "swish", in it went. He made the winning basket. Of course I was proud, not to mention his dad, who busted a few buttons on his coach's shirt : )
However, that wasn't my proudest moment. My proudest moment came when one of the boys on the team finally got his first basket of the game. This little guy had been trying 110% the whole game, but nothing would fall. Finally, near the end of the game, he got a basket. Then, Josh ran up behind him and gave him a pat on the back. I watched him say, "good job!" That blessed me so much because he stopped, for just a second, and thought of someone else. To see him encourage someone else, was such an encouragement to me. Through this whole basketball season, I've really learned a lot about my middle son. He is an encourager of people. He loves to rally around those who need to be lifted up, and he really enjoys watching them succeed. Don't you love it when you have a friend who can celebrate with you and not be envious of you? Josh's attitude really spoke to me, and I have to admit, admonished me.
Sometimes when I get in my "homeschooling mode", I get tunnel vision about what academics we haven't covered. I forget to really watch & observe my boys. I guess I take my eyes off of God, and my focus gets blurred and off-track. God has used this basketball season to remind me to watch my boys (that's all you can do at a basketball game : ) Not to watch for the chip in their armor, but to watch and appreciate what God HAS done in their lives. God is faithful as we obey our calling to homeschool. It always amazes me that God is so good & faithful when we homeschool so imperfectly.
Honestly, winning is just fun. Getting to experience a win reminds me of how God gives us blessings and expects us to enjoy them--whether it's winning a basketball game or enjoying some new furniture (that's a little inside joke for my good friend Nancy : ). We really can soak up every minute of that good thing God sent our way.
So, way to go Josh! Keep encouraging & keep your eyes on Him!
Comments
Apr. 23, 2009 - Oh
Posted by tn3jcarter
I just love this Candace. Everything from noticing how your son can be such an encourager to the reminder to enjoy those special wins and gifts. I know that this season brought its own set of challenges along with blessings, but your entry here reminded me that just as God works in our imperfect homeschools, He also works through imperfect coaches and leagues. I'm glad that Josh got the opportunity to play and that Joel was willing to pitch in when they needed a coach. :o)
