Last Thursday we braved the freezing cold and wind and drove
south a couple of hours to watch David compete in our Track and Field Regional
Finals. It was a family affair (minus
one who was working) as we bundled up, with anticipation of what we knew David
was capable of accomplishing. He has
worked very hard in an event that was new to him just a couple of years
ago. He has been steadily improving and
gaining confidence as he has used his God given talent and tall, strong build
to heave a heavy ball great distances. Never
did we think, when he first began, that this would be how he would get through
college.
He has personally accomplished much in the sport…but on
this night it was not meant to be. His
warm up throws, not to mention his weeks of throwing before, could have
qualified him for State Competition. But
on that night, he threw just 6 inches too short.
As spectators, we were not close enough to talk to him as he
exited off the opposite side of the field. Obviously disappointed and frustrated. We made our way around the fenced in area to
where we were finally able to hug him…to tell him how proud we are of him and
how much we love him.
He was quick to tell how he knew he could have. How close he
was. How he wanted to so badly.
I am grateful on any given day that I do not parent alone,
for many reasons… but the next few moments of words between father and son are
ones I will not soon forget. Shawn
placed his hands on David’s shoulders and looked him in the eyes…
“The measure of you as a man
is not found in the accomplishments or defeats of one single day or event…but
in how much you allow that event to build your dependence on the Lord”.
Words that meant more to son, and more to mother because we
have seen the truth lived out in the
man who spoke them. It’s been a rough couple months,
but the dependency and sweet communion with his Jesus have been tangible in our
home. HE is walking with us, HE is
talking to us, and HE is whispering His love for us ever so consistently.
Sometimes the winning is in the losing. Sometimes the joy is in the grief.
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