A Game Lost, A Lesson Learned

Losing is never easy. Especially when you are as competitive as my middle son, Kendall.  Don't get me wrong, he is a very good sport when it comes to losing, but it still hurts.  He had his first soccer (or futbal) game this last week.  It was a close game and Kendall was playing his heart out.  The other team was tough and wearing out our defenders.  The team kicked the ball, our goalie reached out for the ball and it slipped through his hands.  Kendall jumped behind him and stopped the ball from going in!!!!  "Yea!", I yelled.  But I soon realized that he had stopped the ball with his hand...it was a penalty on him.  The opposing team got a free kick, scored and won the game.  Kendall was devastated.  

As they waited to start a second game, I saw Kendall standing on the field with his back turned to me.  The coach walked up and put her arm around him and I then knew he must have had tears in his eyes.  I wanted run out on the field, wrap him in my arms and take him home. Instead, I let go a little and watched him play another game as hard as he could.  

Upon becoming a parent I do not think I was prepared for what it would be like to watch them hurt and go through disappointments.  The empathy I have for them during these times runs deep.  Then there are times and will be times that I do not know they are hurting or why. 

I am so thankful for a Heavenly Father who is always there and cares about the details of our lives.  He is always with them, knows their every thought, action, and feeling.   In John chapter 10, Jesus speaks of Himself as the Good Shepherd.  In verses 10-11 he says, "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.  My purpose is to give life in all its fullness."  And then in verse 14, "I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep...I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and they know me."  Jesus cares.  Jesus is there.

May we all remember our loving Father in heaven who is with us always (even when our momma's cannot come scoop us off the field)!