Saturday, March 12, 2016

Last Upward Basketball Game

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
James 1:12 

Today was the last game of the 2016 basketball season.  Josiah, we are so proud of all that you have learned over the last couple of months when it comes to playing basketball.  When you stepped on the court in January for your first practice, it was literally the first time you had ever played basketball.  You had A LOT to learn, but you kept at it.  Not only did you have to learn the physical aspects of basketball like dribbling, shooting and passing, but you also had to learn the rules of the game and how to play the game.  There were days you were super excited about basketball and would spend time practicing.  As the season went on, those days became more and more frequent.   The second to the last game of the season, you were determined to make a basket...you spent LOTS of time outside practicing.  That game you didn't make a basket, but you assisted in a basket and we were so proud of you!  You were being a team player.  

Then today on our way to the game, you again told us that you were going to make a basket because it was the last game of the season.  To us it didn't matter if you made a basket because we were already so proud of you for all that you had already done.  You took to heart the saying, "Practice makes progress."  But in the last period of play time for you, you got a rebound and shot the ball and made a BASKET!!!  Your face was priceless as you noticed the ball going into the basket.  Mom, Dad and the rest of the parents were screaming and shouting because we all were so EXCITED for you!  We were so loud that the parents on the other side of the gym watching another game popped their heads up to see what all the screaming was about!!   

Daddy said it best though.  We making the basket isn't what made us proud...it was the fact that you didn't give up...that you kept on practicing...the fact that you remained steadfast as you learned something new.   We don't know if you will play basketball next year, but we sure had LOTS of fun cheering you on this year!
We love you, Josiah, and are so thankful that we got to experience a lot of firsts with you this season!