Yep, we've just spent more hours than we can count these past two and a half months doing Court Duty...(basketball, that is!)
While I will be the first to admit that I am so thankful the basketball season is short (relatively speaking), I am also declaring the goodness of God in allowing our kids to participate in this sport with Christian teams. I have really enjoyed watching my kids play and could be heard often shouting out loud over their little victories! The opportunities for godly training and character building have abounded, and we have seen God do some really great things in our kids' hearts--
Jesse--is not only a great ball player, but he has a great attitude 
on the court; one of team playing, backing up other players, or reaching out a hand to be there for one who gets hurt; plus whenever his coach had to instruct or correct him, he received it well. I enjoyed the sheepish grin he gave Mrs. Christman during one game when she commented on his knocking down a smaller player on the opposing team by accident. There was no malice at all on Jesse's part toward this young man who got plowed into simply because Jesse couldn't stop in time to avoid bowling him over! I thank the Lord for his humility with his coaches, and his openness to their guidance. He's a better player for it!
on the court; one of team playing, backing up other players, or reaching out a hand to be there for one who gets hurt; plus whenever his coach had to instruct or correct him, he received it well. I enjoyed the sheepish grin he gave Mrs. Christman during one game when she commented on his knocking down a smaller player on the opposing team by accident. There was no malice at all on Jesse's part toward this young man who got plowed into simply because Jesse couldn't stop in time to avoid bowling him over! I thank the Lord for his humility with his coaches, and his openness to their guidance. He's a better player for it!
Susanna--I saw a tremendous amount of growth in her character this season; she grew not only in her ability, but also in her confidence on the court. God helped her to put her whole self into the game and she was rewarded with not only greater skill, but also an ease on the court she previously has not had. She is blossoming into her own person, and her efforts to play better on the court are only complimented by her growth in reaching out to new girls to befriend them. Making new friendships has not been easy for Susanna, so I am especially proud of her for getting out of her comfort zone to become acquainted with some other girls!Charity--I so enjoyed watching Charity on t
he court. She worked well with the other girls and made friendships quickly with them (she is actually still writing to girls from her Upward Basketball team from two and three years ago!). She was also 100% there whenever she practiced or played a game. I never heard her complain about being tired or in pain of any kind. This is one of our greatest blessings with Charity; she is cheerful often, even in situations when it would be understandable to not be so. She was attentive to her coaches, and while she gave every effort to the game, she was not negatively competitve toward teammates or opposing teams. A special reward was that she and her teammates had the distinct privilege of going through the season undefeated. I am praying God will give her an opportunity to play with a Christian team next year since she loves to play but will be too old for Upward Basketball.
he court. She worked well with the other girls and made friendships quickly with them (she is actually still writing to girls from her Upward Basketball team from two and three years ago!). She was also 100% there whenever she practiced or played a game. I never heard her complain about being tired or in pain of any kind. This is one of our greatest blessings with Charity; she is cheerful often, even in situations when it would be understandable to not be so. She was attentive to her coaches, and while she gave every effort to the game, she was not negatively competitve toward teammates or opposing teams. A special reward was that she and her teammates had the distinct privilege of going through the season undefeated. I am praying God will give her an opportunity to play with a Christian team next year since she loves to play but will be too old for Upward Basketball.John--I saved my little man for last. The Lord loves to glorify Himself in our eyes, and sometimes us
es the most interesting ways to do it. One of the ways He has amazed me this year is through John's participation in Upward Basketball. John started out the season wanting to play, but quickly experienced doubts about playing ball with boys he didn't know. I prayed for and with him, and it was encouraged to see how God answered prayers for him. He not only overcame his shyness and hesitancy, he quickly made friends with the other boys on his team.
es the most interesting ways to do it. One of the ways He has amazed me this year is through John's participation in Upward Basketball. John started out the season wanting to play, but quickly experienced doubts about playing ball with boys he didn't know. I prayed for and with him, and it was encouraged to see how God answered prayers for him. He not only overcame his shyness and hesitancy, he quickly made friends with the other boys on his team. John & friends--the littlest Lynx
Now, I must point out that John was the 2nd shortest boy on his team; there were actually 6th graders over a foot taller than him! It would have been easy for John to feel intimidated or insecure, but t
he guys all hung together with a great team spirit, fostered in part by an incredible coach.
he guys all hung together with a great team spirit, fostered in part by an incredible coach. Even still, it would have been natural for John to feel insecure, yet, seeing him out there buzz around on the court with that ball, zipping in between players (a distinct advantage of being a short player!) as he made his way to the basket was just an amazing thing in my eyes (not just because I was his mom!) I could only marvel at how God made our human bodies to work so well!
I came away from this season thanking God for His great love for our children, and for how He cares for the "big things" in their lives and the "little things" in ours!
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