Today I learned something from my son. Something big.
We were at the gym playing basketball. On the court next to us were 5 boys almost twice the age of Mason playing a full court game. Mason said he wanted to play with them. The protective mama bear in me wanted to say no. I didn’t want him to get hurt or embarrassed. But I said yes. With little hesitation he asked to join their game. And before I knew it he was running up and down the court with the big boys, stealing the ball, making shots and giving high fives! Who is this kid? Yes, I was proud that he was keeping up with the big boys in game. But more than that I was so proud of the confidence exuded. The fact that he was younger or had never really played a full court pick up game did not matter. The small amount of fear he had was pushed aside and he stepped up. Even at this young age he saw what could come out of this was far greater than anything he could lose.
As I sat there giving thumbs up and small waves (trying to look super cool, as to not embarrass him) when he flashed a big smile my way I was thinking how I would have never done that as a kid. I was often intimidated by age and skill level. I let my fears get in the way of trying new things. I think I missed out on some big things.
If I am honest I still struggle with letting fear overcome me. I allow it to inhibit me from doing things or meeting new people. At times I find myself saying no to things if I know I won’t be 100 % at it. If there is a chance of failure or I may make a fool out of myself I am more reluctant to jump in. If I am unsure of what the outcome will be I hold back because I don’t want to look stupid. Yes, these thoughts are all true.
But I am missing out. Where is my security? I pray that it will be in Him, my audience of One. If all else fails, He won’t.
What Mase showed me today, I may be missing out on some really cool opportunities. If he wouldn’t have joined that game today he would have missed out on something really great. Sure, he wasn’t the best player. He made mistakes. But he had fun, he learned some new skills and made new friends. He grew as a person. And he taught his mom something.
Today I learned an invaluable lesson from my six year and I am so thankful.
I share these fears. I agree, we are missing out. Enjoyed the display of braveness!
I think Mason sees bravery in his mama and has been challenged by it! In the short time I have known you, you seem to have the strength and confidence in Christ to do all He has enabled you to do. I am challenged by you continually to branch out of my comfort zone!! Loved this post!
“If all else fails, he won’t.” <– and this, so simple yet so profound. If we could all but grasp it, daily! Thank you for sharing this story.
Linking over from Sisters in Bloom. I love it when our kids teach us a lesson. He puts bravery in all of us, we just have to learn to grasp it.
Great post and lesson to learn. I can relate as I too have let similar thoughts and fears hold me back from great opportunities. Because of that I let my kids be involved when they show interest or talent. I want them to take advantage of l life’s many beautiful opportunities to grow and learn. Thanks for sharing your experience! 😉
Thanks Naomi for your encouraging words. I love what are kids are teaching both of us and how God is using them in so many ways! Thanks for visiting!
Amen to that! We just have to learn to grasp it! thanks for visiting.
thanks natasha for visiting and commenting:)
Awwww! Love these words from you sweet friend! Thank you so much. hugs!