Sigh.
So much for my yearly “Galveston, it’s winter” rant. We have done the soccer games in the cold
scene before. At least three times, as I
recall. We’ve even done a baseball game
or two when we lived in Colorado when it started snowing before we could get
home. Baseball is a Spring sport, and
Spring should be hot like it is in Galveston, right? And one complete soccer practice up there was
spent cavorting through a fully engaged snowstorm. Now I have to admit, that was a gem to
watch. I am still grateful to Coach
Danny Campbell (now PASTOR Danny somewhere in Virginia) for that delightful
image. Oh, and the games we were watching
were, technically, in Texas, not in Galveston, so I guess that excuse isn’t really
a valid one. But cold I was.
The games went pretty well, actually. Josiah is his team’s youngest player, and
their goalie. His team is a pretty good
one, too, so he honestly doesn’t see much action. The forwards keep the ball in the opponent’s
end of the field most of the game. He
got into the action a bit here and there, though. Did a great job. I’m proud of you, Josiah. And we discovered something at this, the last
game of the season. As we walked up to
the field, a tall young man in sunglasses and a very warm-looking beanie approached
me. He obviously knew who I was, and he
asked the dreaded question, “Do you remember me?” Not the best question to lead with,
folks. Especially not with this old
guy. I did have just the faintest hint
of recognition, though, so I replied, “Take off your sunglasses and I’ll let
you know.” Great move when you don’t have
a clue, you know. In this case, though,
it made all the difference for me. I
looked up into his eyes and did recognize him. It was one of the guys who
played basketball with Nathan back when I was the coach. Hadn’t seen or heard from Michael in literally
years. He said, “I TOLD my wife that was
my old basketball coach walking up, but she didn’t believe me.” Phew.
I was right about the identification.
We talked for a while, reminiscing and catching up to date on how Nathan
was doing. His daughter was on Josiah’s
team and Christina and his wife had already become acquainted over the course
of the season. Michael had just not been
to the games we had been to because of his work schedule. It’s always good to see how well a former
player is doing.
Oh, and I do have to complete the day’s
soccer circle. We had a bit of a break
for McDonald’s and a trip to have Chris’ charms inserted onto her bracelet at
James Avery and a moment or two in a heated car for thawing before we headed
back to Micah’s game. He has also proven
himself a significant asset to his team.
In just his first year, he, too, has become quite the proficient
goalie. He made three or four good stops
as well, and for the brief time he played midfielder, he had an assist on a
goal. His coach encouraged his Mom to
get him into a more competitive league next season. I encourage her to get him into a warmer
league next season. Nice job, Micah. I’m proud of you.
Song of Solomon 2:11-12 says, “See! The winter is past; the rains are over
and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the
season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.”
Father, I so thank you for the different
seasons you have instituted here on your earth.
And I’m sorry for complaining so much.
Keep ‘em coming, however you see fit.
Gives us a chance to learn how to adapt.
Amen.
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