January 16 – “Basketbunchball”

We watched Jachin play a basketball game yesterday.  Chris and Mom and I went to the rec center in the part of Galveston where the projects used to be before Hurricane Ike.  As we entered the building a lady came up to us and said, "Can I help you?"  And without giving us time to respond, she continued, "Oh, you must be here to watch the basketball game."  I'm sure she knew that because of our age.  After all, would a couple of old folks who parked in the handicapped spot be there to work out?    It was a real treat to see a bunch of six-year-olds chasing each other and the ball up and down the court.  We remembered our favorite term for what was happening during soccer games for six-year-olds (and even younger).  Bunch ball.  Wherever the ball went, all the kids went, too – in a bunch.  It wasn't quite that bad.  Some of the kids even knew where to stand on defense and how to keep their hands up.  One or two could actually dribble.  Not that they did it consistently, but traveling was a rare call – only if the ref knew the kid could dribble.  The game ended in a tie, 2 – 2.  They did run one overtime period trying to give them one more shot at victory, but when the little guy missed a free throw with 13 seconds left, we knew it was pretty much over.  I think they would have tried again, but everyone there was gearing up to go to the Martin Luther King, Jr. parade, so a tie it was.  They ended the game with each team lining up and slapping hands with the other team, offering a "Good game," in a show of respect for each other.    Each team gathered together after the game for an official team photo, so being the observant grandparents like we were, I headed out onto the court with our camera.  I guess that was all it took for the rest of the Moms and Dads and grandparents to join me.  It was a great picture of the way life should be.  Have some fun together, then melt into one big conglomeration of commonality – we all had some connection with one of the kids.  It's amazing how kids seem to just know that.  Guess that's why Jesus wanted us to come to him as little children.   Luke 18:15-17 says, "People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.  But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."   Father, teach us to be like the little children. Amen.