He said his legs were tired, then it was that his head was hot, followed by "I get dizzy when I stand." He looked at me and when I wasn't buying into his non convincing story, he just cried, " I don't want to go."
I looked at his big brown droopy eyes and his body language that told me the truth, "I want to stay home, watch an episode of the avengers and be lazy. " As much as it sounded like a good plan, I couldn't.. I couldn't let him miss the last soccer game of the season. It wasn't so much that it was the last game but, I couldn't allow him skip out on his commitment because, he just didn't want to or was lazy.
As I explained to him that his teammates were counting on him to be there, he cried. I explained that if he didn't show up they would have to run faster, play harder to make up for him not being there. Eventually he got dressed and we headed out. Before we got outta the car, we prayed. I prayed that all his "symptoms" would go away that God would touch his body and that he would play a game pleasing to God.
All season he has been praying for a goal, I explained that as long as he plays his best, its good enough. I love to watch him play, there is just this genuine joy and excitement when he is out there running, playing hard yet gentle enough to still care for the other players. As much as I think daddy wants him to love baseball, I have a feeling his sport is going to be soccer.
This league is our first time playing in it. Not playing before I had no idea that they were to receive trophy's and awards. When we walked in the earlier game was concluding and we took our seat as Asher went to warm up. Noah started at goalie and had several saves. The next half he was pulled out to forward. He played the best game of the season, ending it with two goals! He was so excited and over the moon with the smile every time the ball went in.
On the way home, I was prompted to use this time as a teachable moment. And it went something like this.
Me: Wow you had a great game. And think about it, you didn't want to come. Can you imagine what would have happen if you didn't come?
Noah: Yea mom, I wouldn't have gotten my goals, my trophy, my award, my treat ( in youth sports treats are EVERYTHING)
Me: Yes what a blessing, you would have missed out on. See God wanted you to go to your game because today he has called you to be a soccer player, and when he calls you and you don't want to go. what happens (waiting for him to say, I miss out of a blessing)
Noah: Oh mom, I could end up in the belly of a big whale!
Me: YES, like Jonah, sometimes God calls us places we don't want to go at the moment. And the times we don't want to go are more than likely the times something great will happen. If you don't go you miss out on what God has in store for you. God wanted you to have this moment, and if you didn't come you would not have been able to experience how great He is. He answered your prayer, He gave you the best game yet.
As I drove I couldn't help but to be so thankful to the Holy Spirit... my Helper. Life is tough and Parenting is tougher. I could have NEVER explained it better to my child how important it is not to give up. How being disobedient can cause us to miss out on Gods blessing. Ok ,so lets see how it could have played out.
I let him stay home, we hang out, watch TV and rest. No harm in that right? No.. Its ok to be tired today, its Saturday. There is always next season. So he had a good season, I'm sure that the trophy and award would have eventually made its way to our home. But do you think that is Gods best? Do you think that is the way God wanted his season to end? It might have been ok for him, but God wanted better. He wanted to answer his prayer, let him have that goal he has been working hard for. And you know what is even better? He goes beyond what we ask. He gave him two......
Is God calling you to go somewhere? To do something? Or perhaps you are running your race tired and you are ready to stop. Go, don't be lazy, do give up... chances are your prayer or blessing is just around the corner. God wants His best for you, don't settle for just ok!
"Its not how you start the race its how you finish." - Unknown
BTW, I believe todays lesson was just as much for me than him.. Usually is! I love that!!!!
