Teamwork or Character Building?

Jaret is playing basketball again this year.  Last year he had such a great year and he was excited to play again.  However, this year hasn't been quite what he expected.  Friday night after his second practice of the week, he burst into tears in the truck while driving home.  He felt that during practice, no one was passing to him, even when Coach was shouting to pass to Jaret or informing them that Jaret is open while they played a couple of mini-games.  It seems that many of the boys on the team seem to lack the understanding of teamwork and would rather drive the ball to the net themselves. Then to add to it, captains are chosen to pick teams...the old school yard pick.  Never really liked this one myself and on Friday night I was reminded again as to why.  After Jaret's tears of explaining that he was picked last.  I am sure we can all relate to our school days of being the last one picked. Dreadful.  As we drove home, I tried to encourage Jaret and remind him that although these are difficult circumstances and that I don't like that he has to face them, that they are going to build character and help him become a better and more empathetic person.  However, all the while, my mama's heart was breaking.  Broken.  In.  Two.  All I wanted to do was hold him close and tell him that I would march in and speak to the coach.  But I reminded him that he has a very good coach and obviously the coach was noticing that some on the team were not passing from his comments to pass to Jaret when he was open.  And that is the kind of coach he is.  So, after some tears, and some reassurance that it will get better and that either Terry or I will hang out at practices for a bit to see for ourselves how it is going, Jaret felt somewhat better.  Moments like this help to speak into character and the importance of perseverance to see commitments through.  It was bedtime...he had an early morning basketball game.

And so Saturday morning we woke up and headed to the court for some basketball.  Jaret was feeling a little anxious but I asked him to pray while on our way and had Kirra pray for him as well.  The coaches are really great with ensuring all the boys get equal playing time and have done a good job of matching the kids up for two groups who take shifts on the court.  While watching the game, Jaret had some good plays and time with the ball.  There were times that he was passed to by his teammates and times when he was not.  Often when they didn't pass to him, it was because he was not standing in the ideal spot (sometimes right under the basket which is not ideal for taking a shot or being seen by teammates).  Obviously, this is something we talked to Jaret about after the game to help him understand and strategize for future games.

Jaret's team ended up winning 47-10.  The boys played well and they played with heart.  After the game, we got an e-mail from Coach Adrian:

What a difference teamwork makes!
The skills of each player are improving, but the highest impact in our results is teamwork.  Better passing, better overall offensive play and better defence as a team.
I would like to thank you all, players and parents, as part of the larger team for making this happen!

He also included a short video clip (in slow motion) for the boys to review and reflect on what went right and what opportunities there are for improvement.  I was impressed and thankful for a new day - what a difference a day can make.  I am grateful for great coaches that help to build up and encourage.  I am grateful for the character being built into my son; when things are difficult, that we can use those trials as teachable moments.  I am grateful for the opportunity to go and watch Jaret play basketball and cheer him on.  I love being his cheerleader!

"Our greatest struggles can become the greatest doorways to experiencing God."  

~Lysa Terkeurst