Zeke's First Soccer Practice

I have been awaiting this day for nearly 5 years! Yes, you read that correctly. As soon as I knew I was having a child, I couldn't wait until they got started in team sports. Sure, I've enjoyed the baby and toddler years -- precious and cute as they are. But this, this is when I get to find out who my child really is! See, it's not so much about the participation in team sports as it is -- "Who is Ezekiel? What will he love to do? What will he be good at? What will he be passionate about?" Have you read that post asking if you're ok with your child being just "average"? Or something along those lines. I have. And I am. I don't really care if any of my children is the MVP for their team. Or the valedictorian. Or gets into school on a music scholarship.

What do I care about? That my kids (with my help and support) can find out what they love to do and go after it with all their hearts! I truly believe that God has given everyone special talents and gifts. Everyone is great at something. Sometimes it can be hard to discover what those things are, especially if a parent has an idea of what they want for their child's life... 'I love playing the piano so my children must love it and do it and excel at it and I won't stop for anything.'

I played sports in high school and it was fun, but I didn't have the drive. I was never on the 'A' team, but I sure had a lot more fun actually getting to play on the 'B' team. I honestly didn't care about winning, and I'm sure that was part of the reason I wasn't always picked. But it was enjoyable for me, just to play. Playing the piano, on the other hand? I could sit and play for hours. It wasn't work or practice for me. It was me. It is me. It's what I love. It's one of the only things in my life that I can do and not think about eating. Oh you know those people that look up at the clock and say, "Oh boy! I forgot to eat lunch!" Nope, that's ridiculous in my book. I ALWAYS remember and make time to eat. But occasionally if I'm playing the piano, I can delay my meal for a bit :)

But back to this next phase of parenting -- as much as I love the snuggles I've been getting from Zoë, how much she and Levi both need and WANT me, I am feeling the independence from Zeke and it's exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. How will he succeed this year? Will he be a natural at soccer? I'm not sure. At the first practice they started off with a jog around the field. Later on in practice they were taking turns kicking the ball and I had just walked up to hear Zeke asking his coach to do something. She couldn't understand what he was saying, so I had him come over to tell me. It took a few times for me to understand, but he was asking to "jog" more! So already I know a little more about something he enjoys! I cannot wait to find out more!

As I asked Zeke to come take a picture, Levi edged his way in :) 

They aren't apart much

Apparently he was still not feeling the greatest before his first practice. 

Rainy and chilly first day out

But he was a trooper and went out there and did it anyway! 

Zeke, I'm proud of you for taking on your first practice even when you didn't feel well and you were shivering and would have been more comfortable at home. Tonight you have your second practice (we skipped last Thursday because you were still sick and went to the doctor) and Daddy gets to come too! I pray that Daddy and I will be able to encourage and support you as you share your heart's desires and discover more about yourself. You are such a wonderful kid and I hope you know we love you for you, not any performance or accomplishment, just being Ezekiel Dekker.