Austin plays basketball. Well, he plays as well as any 5 year old who can’t run and dribble at the same time and who is afraid the ball might hurt if it hits him. It’s more accurate to say that Austin plays. He knew none of the other players on his team when he started 3 months ago, but he’s already been invited to their birthday parties and has invited every one of them to come to his house to play. He’s even had conversations with several of their parents – including the dad/coach of a child on the team they scrimmage with! He has learned quite a bit though:
Defense is when you hold your arms up in front of someone!
Offense is when you say “I’m open” – even if you’re not!
When someone falls down, you should stop and check on them. It really doesn't matter which team they are on.
When you are guarding someone, it’s good to get their name and find out when their birthday is.
The coaches on the other team can be your friend, too.
When the buzzer sounds, it could be your turn to sit down.
Cheerleaders are nice, but they really should say your name when they cheer for you!
Popcorn and water are great after-game treats!
When you get something right, it’s good to find mom and dad and give/get a thumbs-up!
Basketball can make you very tired!
If you ever want to make a basket, you have to learn how to bend your knees.
If you take the ball away from someone, they might not like you anymore.
The white star is the best!
His mom has learned a few things, too!
Wearing number 8 for the Panthers, standing at 3 foot-8, is the sweetest blessing a mom could ask for.
It’s good to cheer for the other kids, too.
It’s not right to watch your ipod during practice. All eyes must be on the child!
When it’s your turn for snacks, bring good stuff and, remember, the extras belong to the child!
The child hears your voice over the voices of twenty other parents!
The child depends on your help when trying to figure out which goal is his!
The white star is the best!
Life is too short to worry about who wins and loses. The big winners are the ones who discover that doing their best for Jesus is all that will ever matter! I pray that God will help me remember this when the child does figure out that there are people keeping score.
3 comments:
i love watching austin play sports. he is so much fun! i can not wait until it is my turn to be the mom watching her son play! it won't be long, if the daddy of the house has his say. :-) love you!
I love watching Austin play, or wave at me, or stare at the ceiling. Actually, my favorite basketball thing was when he stopped mid-court to do our exclusive eye-glasses thingy that only he and I share. I love that boy!!!
you are such an incredilbe writer keep it comin!!!! you really help those of us who are not quite so eloquent, and there is nothing like watching you kids play any sport. thier pure untamed ability will always brighten your day.
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