We signed Elijah up to play soccer this spring. We thought that although he didn't seem super excited about it that once he got on the field with the other kids he would have a great time. I hoped it would be a great way to get to know other people outside of our friends at church and maybe make connections with unbelievers. Can you see my vision of sharing the Gospel with another mom on the sidelines? Can you see my prideful heart already patting myself on the back for sharing Jesus?
My loving Father's ways are much higher than my ways and He has a way of reminding me this is His story, not mine.
So it turns out Elijah doesn't love playing soccer and was intimidated by all the unfamiliar kids around him. On the way to the second practice he cried and asked me again and again to take him home. Watching your child sit on the sideline in tears is a hard thing. Chasing a two year old younger brother and keeping him off the field is also difficult and doesn't lend itself to getting to know other parents.
So, E doesn't love soccer and that is okay. We are going to finish the season and learn to complete what we started even though it may not be fun. I am going to watch all the games from the car because Elijah plays better when I am not on the sidelines. Simon is going to watch a lot of Curious George in the backseat. Brooks is going to continue to look for things he can enjoy with E. And, we all are going to look forward to the end of April trusting in God's grace.
