Day 117 (Written Saturday April 7) ~ My two favorite trophies that I ever received were the MVP of my Pop Warner football league and my All District award my senior year of high school baseball. These were just two of dozens that I received in baseball, football and golf from the time I was five until I was 18. Until I got married these trophies adorned the shelves and desktops of my bedroom. I worked hard for them, I earned them and I was proud of them.
When I found out I was going to become a father the first purchase I made was a baseball glove, which I put in my sons crib when I brought him home. I was determined to make sure he followed in his father’s footsteps on the ball field. Eventually I accepted the fact that my boys did not have the passion for playing sports that I did. They have a passion for other things, just not sports. Any disappointment I may have felt was short lived when I witnessed their joy for the things they loved.
Today I got to witness them doing something they loved. We went with the Forrest Park congregation to Atlanta, Georgia for the Lads To Leaders Convention. If you don’t know what that is google it and you can find out all about it. Here’s the important part: I now have a new favorite trophy, the one my son Reese won tonight for a speech/sermon he preached at the convention. Kase did not win a trophy, but he did do a great job leading a song and preaching a sermon and learned a dozen other events he wants to compete in next year. Tonight during the awards ceremony it came to Reese’s event and age group. When I heard the MC call Reese’s name, my heart skipped a beat. While on stage, in front of nearly 3,000 people, they announced that he had won 3rd place. I was so happy I didn’t know what to do with myself. This must have been how my dad felt when I hit a home run or scored a touchdown. I don’t have any idea what happened to those old trophies that I won, but I have a feeling that Reese’s trophy will be on display for quite awhile in our home. At least until next year when my boys win a bunch of new ones.
When I found out I was going to become a father the first purchase I made was a baseball glove, which I put in my sons crib when I brought him home. I was determined to make sure he followed in his father’s footsteps on the ball field. Eventually I accepted the fact that my boys did not have the passion for playing sports that I did. They have a passion for other things, just not sports. Any disappointment I may have felt was short lived when I witnessed their joy for the things they loved.
Today I got to witness them doing something they loved. We went with the Forrest Park congregation to Atlanta, Georgia for the Lads To Leaders Convention. If you don’t know what that is google it and you can find out all about it. Here’s the important part: I now have a new favorite trophy, the one my son Reese won tonight for a speech/sermon he preached at the convention. Kase did not win a trophy, but he did do a great job leading a song and preaching a sermon and learned a dozen other events he wants to compete in next year. Tonight during the awards ceremony it came to Reese’s event and age group. When I heard the MC call Reese’s name, my heart skipped a beat. While on stage, in front of nearly 3,000 people, they announced that he had won 3rd place. I was so happy I didn’t know what to do with myself. This must have been how my dad felt when I hit a home run or scored a touchdown. I don’t have any idea what happened to those old trophies that I won, but I have a feeling that Reese’s trophy will be on display for quite awhile in our home. At least until next year when my boys win a bunch of new ones.
Congrats you guys for doing so well at Lads and especially to Reese for 3rd place! That is awesome.
ReplyDeleteTony C.