In the two years since I wrote the post- this child is MUCH improved. Perhaps it's because he's older, or maybe it's because the kiddo started fighting back or it just might have been the little convo that the husband had with this kid's Dad but whatever the reason, I AM THANKFUL.
While this child and the kiddo will NEVER be friends, the animosity seems to have disappeared. Praise Jesus but kids are tough!
In the last couple of years, we have all gone out of our way to offer kind words and loud exclamations of praise towards this difficult child. Killing him with kindness y'all- killing him with kindness. And it is this example that we have set forth for the kiddo- be kind. IN all things, be kind.
No joke, it's been a rough couple of years and things have been difficult at times but it has been an amazing life learning lesson for the kiddo. How to deal with difficult people, learning to get along, being kind, how to be gracious, forgiveness, working together for the good of your team, supporting those who don't deserve it- yeah, GOOD STUFF.
Well y'all- this last Saturday, the kiddo and his team played against a team of cheaters. With a capital C y'all. Gah- how disappointing that some parents and coaches teach this to our nation's children. We watched this other team intentionally trip our boys, elbow them in the ribs and literally FALL TO THE GRASS in order to get a foul- it was quite honestly, disgusting behavior. But I suppose that's team sports for you.....
One particular boy from the other team seemed to have some beef with the difficult child from the kiddo's team. Who knows how this business starts really....but it seemed this child from the other team was out for blood. Eek! He kept kicking the kiddo's teammate in his shins, pushing and shoving and at one point, he knocked him down and hurt him.
What happened next will stay with this Mama for the rest of my days.
At this moment, the kiddo rushed over to his teammate, bent down and helped him up. He then helped to walk him off the field and sit down.
Let's just pause for a moment here.
Clearly they aren't friends. This child has caused huge strife and upset for the kiddo and yet- when this boy is down, MY CHILD IS THERE HELPING HIM UP.
Goodness but I could just cry. Precious stuff indeed!
There's a saying regarding parenting- the years are long but the days are short. How can we as parents know that our examples, our teachings, our lessons are really sinking in? It's so easy for us to get caught up in the day to day struggle that we can't always step back and look at the lessons learned throughout the years. Well last Saturday, I was fortunate enough to witness the lesson. The years spent teaching the kiddo of grace, forgiveness, kindness, understanding, teamwork- ALL OF IT and I got to watch it happen right in front of me.
What a wonderful reminder for me as a parent that the work we are doing is IMPORTANT. Someday, when you least expect it, you will get to witness the lessons they've learned and your cup will runneth over.
Keep going, you got this.
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