It's Five Minute Friday! Join us at Lisa Jo's place each Friday. She offers a word prompt and we write for 5 minutes flat. Today's word is Last.
A remarkable thing happened this spring. I witnessed a total change of character for my normally uptight, perfectionist of a boy. He was 7 (recently turned 8), and for those 7 years I was accustomed to meltdowns over seemingly insignificant things. Imagine my anxious heart when we decided to put him in soccer. What if he loses? What if he loses IT?
A remarkable thing happened this spring. I witnessed a total change of character for my normally uptight, perfectionist of a boy. He was 7 (recently turned 8), and for those 7 years I was accustomed to meltdowns over seemingly insignificant things. Imagine my anxious heart when we decided to put him in soccer. What if he loses? What if he loses IT?
Well, his team did lose. In fact, they lost every single game, coming in LAST at the end of the season. When we had the team party, every child received a trophy. The coaches called each child up, one by one. Another thing this tender-hearted boy of mine dislikes, being called last in the group. His coach called each and everyone up, but then he said these words "we saved the best for last". He followed that with some wonderful words about Luke being the heart of the team, but the words "saved the best for last" stuck with me.
The best? This was his first year to play and most of these boys had played for many years. He's not what you would consider "athletic", but he played with his heart on his sleeve each and every game. Being the best isn't always being first, being on top, or being "the best" in deed. In fact, being the best is more about character than any other tangible quality you could have. Dear son, there are many a people who seem to be "on top", first in their field, but have no character to back up their great deeds.
One coach told me "I know if the ball comes to Luke, he's going to kick it because he's so determined and focused." My heart swelled with watching him grow in maturity during this spring season. See, what his little heart doesn't understand now is that there will be lots of last place finishes along with lots of victories. I want him to know that his performance isn't what compels others to love him, but his character, even when he is last.
I am so thankful for the growth that I got to witness over the 3 months of soccer practices and games. From beginning to end, he grew exponentially.
Yay! This is fantastic. What a great story. Congrats to you, for being a mom who teaches character and congrats to Luke for doing his very best. Thank you for sharing.
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