Thursday, October 21, 2010

the parent becomes the student

today was a sad day. spencer turned in all of his football equipment.

last night the team finished the season with a win and a perfect 6-0 record! the past eleven weeks I’ve become a student to my wise thirteen year old son. I’ve learned so many things about myself, my son, and of course football. these are a few of my favorite photos of this awesome season with my most important lessons learned sprinkled in.


where you start doesn’t determine where you’ll finish.

spencer started the season on third string defense. he spent all of his early practices doing “drills” while he watched others practicing plays. he finished the season as the starting outside linebacker and second string wingback.


“you never get anywhere with fear in your way.”

I was fairly sure football was going to be out of Spencer’s comfort zone, but I didn’t realize how much until I read these words that he wrote inside a thank you note to one of his coaches. how true are his words? at times we’ve all let fear prevent us from traveling down an unexplored road.


there’s life on the sideline.

the myth is that all the action takes place out on the field. I now know there’s a lot to be learned and a lot to be shared when you’re watching from the sideline.


dedication...putting your entire self into it.

spencer never hid from responsibility. he was always willing to do what needed to be done to make the team better. from carrying equipment in from the practice field, to filling in at a new position, to practicing it one more time, he was dedicated to being the best football player he could be.


isn’t it funny how sometimes the parent becomes the student.


12 comments:

stitching under oaks said...

did you ever think at the beginning of the season that you'd be sad to see it end? this is a GREAT post. Such wonderful lessons for both athlete and parent. thanks for sharing all you learned. really. basketball season is right around the corner and so many of these lessons will be encouraging to me again in brand new ways!

isolada. by design said...

Hello, hello!

Found you once again via Steph's blog!

Love these action photographs! Most especially, love the life lessons your young man showed by his person, his dedication, his joy in playing football, a team sport as well as one for the individual.

I particularly responded to the second about fear. How often have I held back from trying something I know how to do because it may be a little more complicated, a little more detailed and time consuming, even in something I enjoy like sewing?

Thank you for sharing every day wisdom often taken for granted.

And may your young man grow into these lessons that his future be of boundless energy and proud achievement.

Peace out!

Ana

From All Stitched Up said...

I will add that these lessons will last a lifetime. My daughter enjoyed sports during high school. She refers to the lessons she learned and is a better business woman from having done sports

Gloria said...

Beautiful post! Isn't it amazing how God uses people in our lives to teach us new things (even our kids and grand kids!). :)
Have a happy weekend!

~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...

Isn't that so true? We should all step back and realize this. I've been anxiously awaiting for the cross-country season to end. There have been too many mud runs and today -- snow flurries. And yet this team has persevered (much longer than I would have / could have). Congrats on a terrific season and for raising a great team player.

At Home Mommy Knits said...

What a lovely post. Love all the lessons learned. Who knew that having children would teach us so much? Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Stephanie said...

What a great season! Great photos too!
It is amazing how much we learn from our children, when we thought we'd be doing all the teaching.

a friend to knit with said...

i think that boy is "all world"!!!
honestly, kristyn. you two have done a fantastic job.
i LOVE what he wrote inside his coaches card.
congrats to him and his team.

Larissa said...

Beautifully written Kristyn. I often think that this is the reason we have children - to learn all the lessons they have to teach us. Your guy is wise beyond his years for including the statement re fear in his note. You are such a great mama for encouraging and supporting him so. Hope your first football free weekend was wonderful!

Gigi said...

Sweet post K. You're so sensitive and wise to be open to the wisdom of your son. And yes, it's reciprocal in so many ways, isn't it -- this child rearing experience?
Blessings,
p.s. Spencer is a real cutie!

Rebekah said...

Those are some amazing lessons, for you, your son and your blog readers! Thanks for sharing and congrats to your son on a successful season!

Jessica Lynn said...

How beautifully you've captured this experience. Spencer sounds like such a wise, old soul. Isn't it amazing what wisdom can be gleaned from our children. It's truly one of the most unexpected things to me about parenting. But he does have very wise parents too. So not so unexpected there ;) Love what he wrote to his coaches. How many times have I needed to remind myself of that fact.

He's very cute Kristen. I think that he looks like you!

XOXO my beautiful friend!