Happy and Proud!

Many parents are completely thrilled and proud of their child for making baskets and winning at a game. Today at Ben's Upward game, though, I was proud of his character. One of his teammates had a run-in with another little boy and took a big sprawl across the floor. He had hit his elbow and was on the floor crying. Ben immediately ran to his side and started checking on him. When the little boy got up, Ben threw his arm around him and walked all the way back to the sidelines with him before returning to the game. I love when Ben does well athletically, but its the proud moments like this that thrill me to be his mother. I hope he always keeps this sweet, caring spirit.

Now, I was proud of his character, but I was also very happy for him today when he was rewarded for his actions with not just his first basket ever, but two during the course of the game! The look on his face was priceless. He couldn't believe he had actually thrown the ball and scored. He smiled from ear to ear and raised his fist in victory.

The great thing about being a parent are these proud and happy moments!

Basketball Ben

Today was Ben's first Upward Basketball game. I love Upward because it focuses more on attitude and Christian principles than winning. (Technically, Ben's team did win, but no one even seemed to notice!)

It was a cute game watching all these little guys out there trying. Ben did his very best and was awarded the most important star of allafter the game...."Most Christlike"! I was very proud of him. He was all smiles when his coach awarded it and said "thank you". One of the teammates said, "I knew you'd get that one. You were Christlike today!" This little boy had gotten injured during the game and apparently, Ben tried to help him feel better.

Our minister did a great job during the half time of sharing Christ with the packed gym. His son has a tumor behind his eye and is undergoing chemotherapy. Tyler related how as parents we have the choice of giving our children the medical care they need or not provide it. However, God provides care for the ultimate sickness--sin-- to everyone and they we a choice of accepting or not. Just like as parents we want to give our children the best possible care, so God does for us, too.