Soccer

It seems like lately it has been all about Claire. We had our first soccer game Saturday. It went pretty well until about 1/2 way through. It seemed like a lot of the kids on our team didn't want to play and Claire picked up on this and acted accordingly. I had flashbacks of last year when she did the same thing. She really does do a good job, but it was hot and it seems like if one kid cries, it is contagious. Some of the parents were babying their kids, saying, "oh, it's okay..." I told Claire that when you are on a team you need to play whether you want to or not. Your team needs you. You can't just walk off the field whenever you want, you have to try for your team. Maybe I am too strict. I don't want Claire to be a quitter, but I don't want her to resent playing either. There has got to be a happy medium.

We are playing with a different Upward Soccer this year. We found out they play at our church, so we thought we should go with that one. There are differences, but not much. I found out Sunday that they will be getting a concession stand. That will be nice. One thing that I have noticed is that the coaches (at least our coach) don't really try to get to know the family. Our coach talked to Joel on the phone, but other than that, he hasn't introduced himself or asked us our names etc... Maybe my expectations are too high. I think Upward is supposed to be an outreach opportunity to the community, so I feel if you don't try to reach the parents, you are missing the opportunity. Our coach doesn't know us, so how does he know if we even go to church anywhere. I am trying to work on my attitude so we can enjoy this season. Maybe I need to be the one to reach out to our coach and other parents on our team. I would have to leave my comfort zone. I guess since we are playing in Upward Soccer, it is a ministry opportunity for us, as well. It is all in your perspective. I guess I can't just sit on the sidelines waiting for someone to reach out to me.

I have already seen some benefits from playing this year. I have seen 2 families from our church we don't know well. I am hoping to get to know them better. I saw a woman I have been in a playgroup that also has a daughter in Kindergarten at Ridgedale. I am hoping to reconnect with her. These are both mom's that I can try to get involved in the MOPS ministry I will be starting at church. We sold our refrigerator Friday night and the woman, who is going through a divorce, noticed our Upward bumper sticker. She also has a daughter playing Upward Soccer. We only talked briefly, but maybe a seed was planted. This has all happened with only 2 practices and one game. When you look at it this way, it is great to see all that God can do with this team.

Please pray with me for this season and also for Andy Wirt who is coaching soccer in Columbus. It is a great opportunity for outreach for him and his family as they are planting a church in the New Albany area. You can visit his blog here. http://wirt-prayer-team.blogspot.com/