Break #2 and Friday Night Lights

With our boys home on break last week, this week has been the girls' turn. Because of the two different break weeks, along with Audra's high school sports schedule, we weren't able to skip over to San Diego as we'd hoped to do originally. Although I can't think of anything terribly exciting that we've done over break, it's been nice to slow down and spend time with Audra and Sierra. We've done pedicures, long-overdue haircuts, shopping, sleepovers with friends, etc...it's been a good week and I've enjoyed some great girl time while the boys have been back in school.

Tonight, we're all headed to Buck's first Friday night football game this season. Buck has played tackle football in our church league for the past four seasons and of all the different sports he has played over the years, football is his very favorite, with basketball running a close second. With a new season this spring, comes a new coach and a new group of teammates and Buck has emerged as a real leader on this team. Although I've only been to a couple practices, Wade has been to every one and has been really impressed with the coach. What I've observed, in my limited outings to practice, is a coach who loves the Lord, cares about each of the kids as much as he does his own son and really teaches the game to the boys in a kind, respectful, non-sarcastic manner. One of Buck's old preschool friends is on this team and has never played a team sport before. He's a quiet, bright, lovely boy and he's also very nervous about the season. I've watched the coach work with him, kindly and quietly, without making him feel bad or less-than the other boys who are farther ahead athletically. This season will be a struggle for Buck's old friend, but I'm confident that this coach won't make it his last season. 

Going to practice last night, Wade and I were amazed at the leadership displayed by our humble, diligent son. His coach has asked him to step up and quarterback, which was a huge compliment to Buck and quite a departure for him in terms of position. Last night, Wade and I came almost an hour late to practice and as we walked up to their little team scrimmage, Wade was immediately surrounded by his football dad-friends. The report was unanimous...Buck had been running the offense with complete poise and confidence, directing his teammates, passing the ball on a dime, running out of jams and praising his teammates above himself. I have to admit that I'm nervous about the whole thing...the pressure, the hits he will take and the stress he will feel in this new position, but I'm so grateful that he has the opportunity to be where his coach feels he deserves to be - he has definitely earned it. We've told Buck for years to play the best he can wherever he is put and to do his job selflessly and with a joyful spirit. He has done this time after time, playing without glory, playing positions he wouldn't choose and doing so without complaint, as the team-first kid he is. This coach does not have stars or favorites, he does not have boys playing multiple positions all over the field on both offense and defense and his own kid is just an anonymous member of the team. It's a nice environment to be part of.

As competitive as I am personally, I don't really care whether my kids' teams win or lose. (Of course winning is much more fun, that's not what I mean.) What I care most about is seeing teams utilizing players fairly and without favoritism, showing good sportsmanship, improving each time out, having fun and working together as a team. Winning is a byproduct of doing a lot of other things right and winning is much more fun when everyone on the field feels like a valuable part of the whole. Of course I hope that Buck's team does well enough to win, but what I hope for the most is that Buck gives his best, has fun, stays healthy, treats his teammates with respect and gives all the glory to God.