The Wrong Basket
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand."Psalm 37:23-24
"When I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me."Micah 7:8b
My son's face lit up when the coach called to him from across the gymnasium. His older brother, Jon, was motioning for him to suit up.
This particular basketball game had been scheduled for only the 8th - 10th graders, with the seventh graders being not quite experienced to face this opposing team. It was for this reason that my younger son, Nathan, had fully intended to sit in the bleachers with mom.
Much to his surprise, however, the team needed him. They were down a man in the fourth quarter, and it just so happened to be just the position that Nathan was training to play. He was now glad that he had taken his older brother's advice and had brought his team shirt and jersey anyway. Nathan was "good to go."
My son's face was glowing when the coach sent him in to play. It had been good that he didn't have time to fret and worry. I was impressed with my son's increased aggressiveness and boldness in this game as compared to his previous two.
Back and forth across the court he ran, getting involved in the shuffle, and actively going for the ball. What seemed like his "glory moment" came, as he rescued a rebound, grabbed the ball, protected it from his opponent, and shot a hoop. It went in! But much to the horror of his teammates, it was the wrong basket! My son scored two points for the other team, who laughed and jeered at him. My mother's heart ached for him.
Instantly, Nathan's own shocked face expressed the realization of his mistake. Yet, he played on, and didn't give in to the feeling of defeat. His team got back possession of the ball and proceeded to run to their side of the court. The rescuing teammate then passed the ball to Nathan, who then bounced the ball to his older brother, Jon. Jon, in turn, shot the basket and scored two points. Nathan was exuberant that he had been a part of the play. He had redeemed himself!
On the way home I couldn't stop telling my son how proud I was of him!
"You didn't give up, sweetie!" I told him enthusiastically, "I am so proud of you, that you stayed with the game, and gave it your all.... in spite of your mistake!"
Nathan beamed.
"I can't wait for the next game, mom," he said, "I'm not afraid of the ball anymore."
My mother's heart was greatly blessed, when I saw my son take what could have been an obstacle to victory, and use it as a tool to overcome his fear. Rather than get discouraged and loose his drive, Nathan's "wrong basket" ignited his determination to succeed.
I remember as a child that one of my mother's sayings was, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." In her own way she was saying, "Make the most of every situation."
God's Word states, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
My son's "wrong basket" taught me that when life seems tough, I need to keep looking to The Lord for strength to continue on. As His child, I can believe that through seeming "wrong baskets" He CAN work all things together for my good and that of my children's.
Prayer: Lord, it's hard to sit in the bleachers and watch my child make "wrong baskets". My mother's heart hurts for him, and so much wants to help him make things right. Please grant me the grace to be the mother I need to be, and the wisdom to know when to sit still in the bleachers.