• Feb. 8, 2009
The End of Basketball Season
Basketball season is over!! It was crazy, even though my son sat out for three weeks with a broken wrist. It was crazy, but the last game of the season made all the craziness worthwhile.
My son hadn't played much basketball before the season started, so he wasn't as “good” as some of the players on his community team. He also doesn't go to school with any of the players, leaving him sort of the odd man out. The coach kept my son on the bench through most of the games that he was able to play in, and sometimes the other players made fun of him, but his smile never left his face. His determination to learn the game grew, and he practiced harder, rather than complaining.
While I noticed all that was going on throughout his basketball season, I prayed. I prayed that the LORD would protect his spirit, and not allow him to be crushed. God was so good, and answered my prayers. Not only did He help my son keep a great attitude despite the circumstances, He blessed him during this last game of the season.
The coach of the team wasn't able to make it to the last game, so the dad of one of the other players filled in. My son got to play much of the game, even trying out positions that he hadn't gotten to play before. It was amazing! Playing some of the different positions gave him a new perspective on the game, gave him confidence on the court, and helped him to “get” how to play the game (he even made his first basket). It wasn't only him, but some of the other players who hadn't gotten much of a chance to play in games or try new positions were all encouraged to do so in this game. I also noticed before and during the game, my dear son laughing, joking, and playing around with all the other members of the team. He didn't change who he was to earn their friendship, but gained their respect through his perseverance and won their friendship from there.
Can you tell that I am proud of him?! I am proud of his attitude throughout the entire season, and his strength in not changing or compromising who he is to be accepted.
