The Little Dragons

Look at my little Kevin Garnett, the #5, the green and white. I didn't do this on purpose cuz you know the Laker fan in me would have preferred purple and yellow and the #24 of course. Wil had his first Upwards basketball practice last night. He has been counting down to this night with greater anticipation than he did with Christmas. I kid you not. He asked me every five minutes how much longer we had. On the way there, he said, "my stomach hurts." There was a pause and then he said, "but I bet it doesn't hurt when I start practicing" Oh, son, I love ya. He has Tom's love for sports (especially basketball) and my intense personality. This is a recipe for obsession.

As fun as it is for Tommy to share this love, we are both keenly aware of our responsibility to keep it in its place. I can see how a parent could get caught up in organized sports or any other of their kid's activities, but because Wil's love and passion started so early we have had many discussions about how we want to teach Wil (and Mags and Trey) that these activities are fun and we should feel blessed to be able to enjoy them but they and everything else will and must take a backseat to God and family. I say this not because I'm spiritual, but because I know first hand how empty and discontent one can grow with any thing else!!

One blessing that I foresee in basketball for Wil is the outlet it offers him. Like I said Wilson is very much like me. I internalize frustration, worries, and other negative junk. I can already see this in my son. He is not a social butterfly. He is more of an introvert. But I see him come alive when he plays sports. He is happy and confident. I am objective enough to know Wil is not headed for a career in basketball (at least not in the NBA), but God has definitely given him this gift and passion for a reason.

I never intended this post to have such a solemn tone to it, but my point is proven which is I naturally go in the serious direction.

The object of the post is Come one, come all: Saturday January 17th, 8:30am, Central Baptist and see the Little Dragons dominate like Michael Jordan at Madison Square Garden!