both ends of the bench

My little guy is turning 11 on Saturday!  I can't believe it...he's growing up so fast.  I'm enjoying these sweet days where he still loves to snuggle on the coach and listen as I read The Hobbit to him.  { Side note:  What a great book it is!  I never read it growing up.  I think I was in some 'experimental' literature class in high school because we skipped all of the classics.  I've had to read Jane Eyre, Emma, To Kill a Mockingbird, and so many others all on my own.  The only book I remember reading in high school that qualifies as a classic was The Scarlet Letter.  Not sure what happened there.}  So, I am really enjoying reading Tolkien's adventure to my son.  While I read, he draws.  It's hard to keep my focus, because he is so good at drawing, I want to look up and watch him draw which makes reading tricky!

(here's on of his drawings...it is the lonely mountain and Smaug) 

He's playing on two basketball teams and on one team, he is the 'big' guy.  When they line up the kids to see who they are going to guard, everyone moves away from Jammer (that's his nick-name), because he's so tall.   Parents of kids on the other team seem to question his age....(they really shouldn't question things so loudly...hello, I'm sitting right there!)

 But on his other team (the one his dad coaches) he's one of the little guys.  He's one of the youngest and it is obvious when he's out on the floor with the other guys.  I'm so thankful that he gets to experience both sides of the coin.  It helps build confidence and keeps him grounded all within a couple of days.  He likes both teams, loves both coaches and seems to genuinely enjoy being on both ends of the bench.

(here he is 'guarding' an opponent..with much trepidation!)

 Isn't that just like life?  In certain situations you find yourself as top dog and then you walk into another room and you're wondering whether or not you'll be able to manage.  I know I've got areas where I feel like the 'big guy'.  I have confidence and feel secure, and then there other places where I am definitely 'outplayed'.  It's those areas that keep me leaning on the Lord and looking to Him. I'm learning to give my successes to God as praise and with thanksgiving and to not shy away from them....because right around the corner, I find myself on my knees asking for courage and wisdom and direction.  Just like my guy and his two basketball teams.   I just wish I enjoyed both ends of the bench as much as he seems to!

(showing off his knee guard....it's cool to have extra gear!)