I had fun Saturday! 

No, it did not involve me directly. I was a spectator. This past summer Jo and I spent a lot of time at the local ball fields watching both girls and boys playing ball. Some you could tell had never had a baseball in their hand. They struggled throwing and catching and certainly didn’t know what to do when/if a ball was hit to them. The coaches showed great patience. The parents were there to support their child or grandchild. There was, for the most part, with a few exceptions, an atmosphere of fun and laughter and pride as their offspring did something besides stare at a screen. 

Meanwhile, Jo and I made our way from field to field watching different children from the church play ball. I got to see the kids play; chat with the parents/grandparents; cheer them on whether they batting or playing the field. I even had a chance to renew an old friendship with someone I hadn’t seen in years. I met his wife and 3 children (all since I had seen him last), laughed a lot, and even welcomed him back as they visited the church I pastor. 

This past Saturday it was more of the same. I had gone the previous week by myself (it was stifling hot and too much for Jo) to watch 6 of our kids play Upwards soccer. I hit the jackpot when 4 of the kids played in the same game. I spent game time encouraging all 4 and didn’t have to show any bias. 🙂 This past Saturday I not only watched the other two play but the way the fields are laid out I also had a chance to watch all 6 of our kids. To make things even better, 4 of them scored goals and the other two were in the thick of things. 

This is as it should be. Kids being kids. When I was young I didn’t worry about where my next meal was coming from or who I was going to have to hide from or who or whom could I not trust? There is a certain innocence inherent in children that should never be ruffled or messed with. Parents who want their kids to excel so they live their life through them. Demanding excellence instead of playing for the sheer fun of it. Should they learn to compete? Sure. But within limits. It is ruined by parents fighting with other parents (what a great way to show maturity). Or parents and coaches teaching cutthroat competition. I read recently about two rival schools playing a hotly contested soccer match. One team kicked the ball into the goal but the ball went through a hole in the netting and the referee didn’t see it and called it a missed goal. The opposite team’s coach corrected the referee, the goal was given, and the coach’s team lost by one. But I’ll tell you what! I want him to coach my child. 

Let kids be kids. Step aside parents and be the leader your kids need.