Soccer

JACOB PLAYS SOCCER

I am so proud of Jacob. He is truly learning to work hard and participate. We have allowed Jacob to play soccer for several seasons.  In the past, we have questioned whether or not we should continue the sport. He just hasn't seemed interested. Not that he couldn't play--just not interested. However, every season Jacob would ask to play soccer again. This season, Jacob finally put his heart into the game. It was so fun watching him learn how to use soccer skills and to come alive in a sport he has always wanted to play. In fact, because of his new found interest--we have had to learn many life lessons about being a good sport, and although I didn't love those "life lessons", I realize that part of the reason we play sports is to teach our kids these very lessons.  

One life lesson this season came when Jacob's best friend was playing goalie, and Jacob's team had a few goals scored on them. In absolute frustration, Jacob turned around and yelled at his friend. When Bryan and I realized what Jacob had done, we taught him about the game: it's never the goalies fault, but the rest of the team's fault for letting it get to the goalie in the first place; and we taught him about life: even when we are frustrated--it's never okay to yell at our friend's, or anyone. We always treat others with kindness. Always.

I'm grateful that Jacob is learning about sports, but I am even more grateful he is learning about being a good person. He is so genuine and sincere that as soon as he understood, he wanted to make amends.