The Last Freshman Football Game ....

.... was incredible.

I kid you not.

Yes, I know that my son(#3) is on the team, but this night was amazing.

The first half of the game was quite depressing. They went into half time losing at 0-24 (I think that was the score). The team had no spirit and no morale. They were already beat.

But then something happened after half time. I think they decided to show up.

Every time they got possession of the ball .... they scored. And they intercepted twice.

The game ended with a score of 35-34 ..... and we won!!! It was like watching "Facing the Giants" (love that movie!).

But the very coolest part of the game, the part that touched me to my very core, was watching Son #3 gather a few players together, wrapping their arms around each others' shoulders, forming a circle .... and praying. The first time he did it (at this game) there were 4 of them praying.

The next time .... at the end of the game with less than a minute left .... there were well over 20 of them huddled together, arms wrapped around each other.

Son #3 is growing up to be a godly young man .... and I know that Jim was watching tonight and is as proud and humbled as I am.

Of course, I have to keep thinking about this after I walked into the house to find his shoes, backpack, empty sports drink bottles, etc. laying around the family room. I also had to remember it as I looked at the sink full of dishes.

Sometimes ..... just when you wonder if either one of you will live through this parenting thing, your child does something so amazing that you forget (just for a moment) the frustration you often feel, along with the sense of ineffectiveness that settles in.

And then you wonder .... just as you do when you're frustrated, but now in more of a positive way ...."What did I ever do to deserve this?"

The answer is the same ..... "Nothing." Our children are gifts .... it's just a matter of perspective most of the time.

Sometimes they may seem like a white elephant gift .... other times they are a unique and precious gift.

Kind of like us.

:)

No, I didn't answer any questions tonight, but I figured you'd all be fine with that. It's late and I have been gone all day.

Hopefully I'll get to them tomorrow .... and show you pictures of my destroyed bathroom. The only thing that's left in there is the tub .... I was a bit speechless when I walked in there last night.

It is now almost midnight which means it's way past my bed time.

Have a great Friday, Peeps.

And give your kids a big hug tomorrow.