Spring Sports

With a weekend of glorious Spring weather, our children's athletic endeavors have been in full swing. R & P have played 4 baseball games since Thursday (2 wins, 2 losses).There is just not much cuter than a little boy in a baseball uniform--especially when their catcher's gear is way too big.R has been a baseball fanatic since toddlerhood. P has never seemed to care much for the sport (too slow moving), but this season he asked if he could play. While P still reserves his passion for other interests, he is really enjoying being on the team.

K has been a good sport and a supportive sibling on the sidelines. This afternoon, she had her chance to do her own thing--the first practice for the youth triathlon she is running next month.

I am not particularly athletic. I have definitely never trained and run anything more substantial than a 5k (and even that was 10 years ago). So, pardon me while I gush for a moment about how AMAZING it was to watch my little girl learn to do something so challenging.The practice started with a lesson in how to set up your 'transition area.' As part of the race, the children participating have to do everything without parental intervention (LOVE THAT!).They will swim 50 meters, then run to their transition area to dress for biking 2.4 miles. They complete the race by then running a half mile.

As I watched my brave, confident girl tackle her first practice today I was overcome by emotion.
My baby girl, who entered the world 8 and 1/2 weeks early weighing 2.75 pounds and measuring only 13 inches long, is strong and healthy enough to not only tie her own shoes and put up her own ponytail--she is taking on a youth triathlon. I loved what the race chair (and youth trainer) said today as she was giving an overview of the race. She reminded the children that they weren't racing head to head. They get to decide a lot of things (whether or not to wear goggles, socks, shorts, etc.).

"This is YOUR race. That's one of the reasons I love triathlons," she added, "Everyone runs their own race."

What a great morsel to chew on as my heart comes to grips with how quickly my people seem to be growing up! Each of them are growing in their independence and their confidence about who they are and what they enjoy. Each day it becomes more clear that they will each run their own race in different ways. What a beautiful testimony to the glory and creativity of God.

One crowded womb and a busy birthday. Two tired parents. One AMAZING God. Three distinct individuals. What a joy to be on the sidelines cheering them on!