fruition

there are two big things i've very intentionally prayed for you for a few years now. one of those is for you to find a passion. a sport, a hobby, something that pulls at your heart...anything that makes you feel connected and challenged and competent. it has been hard, probably harder for you because i am constantly 'bugging' you about signing up for the school play or for a rec league of a sport. i have been relentless in my attempts to help you find something. and while you have shown me in your awesome desire to work with kids at church that you do indeed have a passion, and a great one at that, i still prayed that you would find something that would help you connect at school or with your peers.

after a few attempts to join sports that required a tryout, i was worried you might meet the same unsatisfying fate with soccer. even though you've played through the years, it's been with a passing commitment to a rec league that meets once a week. (in other words: no guarantee that you could make a competitive team.) but you were awarded a spot on the team, likely to attend practice but sit the bench during games, which is not uncommon for an 'underclassman'.

oh, but Maddux....last week you had four games and you played in three of them. not because the team was short on players (we usually have 6-8 on the bench), but because your coaches gave you a chance. first it was just for a few minutes, but one of the games found you in for almost half of the game. and how you brightened the field. your smile was so big, and it brought you so much joy...

you still have a long way to go to become the leading player in terms of skill level, but so what - you have the time. the connections you are making with your teammates, and the experience you are gaining with coaches that seem to make very smart choices with their players is exactly what I've been praying for. aatching you interact with the other 6th grade girls (and a few older ones), and seeing you encourage and build up those around you, all the while, learning how to push yourself in this sport has been so amazing to watch!