It's Over....Thank Goodness

Soccer season has finally come to an end. The last few months have been exceptionally painful to watch. J just isn't ready for the competitive aspect of the game. He has a really hard time dealing with such horrendous things as balls being kept away from him, inability to score whenever he wants and any sort of physical contact, unintentional or otherwise, is seen as a direct crime against him.

No matter how much we try and get him to just enjoy the game and have a good attitude, he ultimately ends up crying in the middle of the field, getting angry and slumping off. Keith and I have had a real hard time dealing with our embarrassment and, well let's be real, feelings of shame as he is the ONLY kid doing it. We are obviously feeling convicted to change our attitudes as well in helping him grow.

But I think we need a break from soccer and I've convinced Keith that we should not return next year. A year or two break from it might be just what the doctor ordered, and in the meantime we're looking at more individual sports like karate. He and a friend are signing up for that soon.

But in being honest again, while I like soccer there are a few things that I don't like too. I don't like every weekend being taken up by it - we like to get out and do a variety of things and with naps and meals, soccer ends up being the "highlight" of our day. And around here the weather sucks for about 85% of the season, and you end up standing in a windy, cold or rainy prairie field. So now on a nice weekend we can go cheer his friends on and he will love just hanging out on the sidelines.

J's emotional immaturity has been the running theme throughout any of his trials and tribulations. It's something we've had to deal with in preschool, friendships and now sports. At least it is the same consistent core issue, even if it is one that I still haven't quite figured out how to deal with. It's something that we're actively working on, and giving up to God for solutions. And it has definitely forced Keith and I to grow in many ways we never knew we needed to and face our own inadequacies.

And, most importantly in my own development, it has shown me what a true friend is. Having a kid that can be challenging has shown me what it is like to have friends who don't care about life getting a little messy or challenging, or loving your child without judgement, who stick by you and give words of encouragement, who always seem to be there even when you didn't realize you needed them.

Now it's my turn, knowing what it's like to be surrounded by people and still feel isolated sometimes, to seek out those who are in need. To invite a dad who is stuck alone with kids for six days straight over for a hot dinner, to send a note of encouragement telling someone that they're doing a great job and not to give up, to look past the flaws and see the strengths in a child.

These are all things that have been done for me. So tell me, what has a true friend done for you lately that you've appreciated?