February 6 - “The Extra Day”

Yesterday turned into a workday in Waco.  Josh left for his office at the church to lead a meeting.  Zak and Luke got started on schoolwork.  They are all homeschooled.  Caleb had an online Latin lesson, so he disappeared into his own personal little “office” (Read here, a desk area in the laundry room.  He seems to love it).  Chris was playing with AnnaGrace.  And i started working on my teaching for Sunday.

I’m trying to learn how to use my iPad more extensively.  I got a little keyboard o attach to it.  Now I want to become proficient so i don’t have to worry about taking the laptop on our upcoming cruises to Alaska and The Panama Canal Zone.  No, it’s not the same cruise.  They happen about six months apart.  Kind of a fluke how we - who have never been on a cruise in our lives - are suddenly signed up for two bucket list ones.  We agreed to go on the Panama one with some Denver friends before we found out that the Alaska one was definite.  Panama is considerably cheaper than Alaska, though.   It still means we had to keep our belts tightened up really tight - and they are still cinched up pretty good ... we’re not there yet.

Last night we went to Luke’s and then Caleb’s basketball practices.  That was the whole reason we stayed an extra night - a special request to “watch me play, too, Nani and DadDad.”  How can you say no to something that adorable?  It was a lot of fun, too.  Josh is Luke’s coach, and I enjoyed watching the kids I coached do his best to communicate to a bunch of kindergarteners the intricacies of pivoting and traveling and the ever-dangerous double dribble.  He did a bang-up job with them, too.  I think the youngsters were having fun, so that’s the important thing.  And of course Luke is the best player on the team.  Just ask his Granddad.  Christi told us that Josh has been trying to get Luke to pass the ball around more and not shoot every time he gets the ball (even though he tends to make the vast majority of his shots).  Luke’s reply, “But if I’m open I need to take the shot.”  Well, on second thought ... yep.  That’s probably right.

Caleb’s team was older and more advanced, of course.  Josh is team-coaching with another of his staff members at the church.  Brought back memories of when I coached varsity and Jr. Varsity and even the girl’s team.  I’m still not sure how we managed that time-wise, but it was a great youth ministry opportunity.  Caleb is one of the most sure-handed ball-handlers on their team.  They have two or three boys who can control the ball fairly well, but everyone on the team wants to do nothing but shoot as soon as they touch the ball.  Especially two of the kids who are obviously good athletes, but they think they can dribble through a fire pit and come out unscathed.  And sometimes they can.  I really enjoyed watching this group, too.  More specific accolades concerning a certain point guard named Caleb always available upon request at 1-800-DadDad.

Matthew 19:26 says, “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”

Father, thank you for the growth and development of our youngsters.  Help them all to find a niche where they are truly happy, whether it be in sports or music or relationships, but especially in their spiritual touch with you.   Amen.