Bonus Points

Last evening my kids participated in a Challenger soccer camp (plug for my step-dad's company). They had a great time. We were a little anxious about having so many ages (4-12 year-olds) on the same field at the same time. Nikki(sp?), their coach did a great job though of managing all of them. The kids looked engaged and happy the whole time.

I was really impressed to see the older kids looking after the younger ones. As a parent of one of the smallest players, I was particularly touched to see big old boys stop play to let my Mimi kick the ball during the practice game. Big sister, Tess, always grabbed Mimi's hand to run to where the coach directed them. I saw another player, reach down and help a little one stand after they had fallen.

When the kids got home, I made a point to praise Ty and Tess for being so thoughtful and taking care of their little sis and her friends. Tess said, "Oh, Momma, Nikki said we get extra points if we are nice to the little ones." This deflated some of the pride I was feeling about how good my children were. But, all in all, I am glad they were nice, even if it was for points. (Still not for certain about what the points are for...)

Nikki made it seem so easy. Just give them bonus points. They got rewarded for doing what they should have done anyway. But this way, the big kids felt good about the points, Nikki felt good because they minded, and the little kids felt good because they didn't get run over by a faster-than-lightning 12 year-old. The whole team wins.

Nikki taught them more about the team effort when they were playing a practice game. In soccer the kids have a tendency to clump around the ball during a game. Everyone wants to be a part of the action. It is hard for them to learn to stay in their position. When they learn that, there are players all over the field and that helps the team. Nikki helped them with this by yelling , "Banana!" every time they crowded together. This was their signal to yell, "Split!" and break up over the field. That way every spot is covered.

This got me to thinking about how great the world would be if we acted like those kids did last night. What great things might happen if we stepped back and let someone else take a good shot at success every once in a while instead of pushing and shoving to get our chance? How much better the world would be if the older, wiser ones grabbed a younger one's hand and helped them navigate rough terrain? What if we all stopped running and slowed down to help someone who had fallen and was down in life? Further still, what if we split up so the whole field is covered? You do your part with your talents and I'll do mine and we will work until the job is done.

So...Ready! Set! GO! Banana! Split! Bonus Points!!!!!

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"Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy." Matt 5:7

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust detroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

For more of my sports analogy, how to play fair, and bonus points, have a gander at these:

Matthew 28:19-20
Matthew 25:34-40
I Corinthians 9:24-27
Romans 12:9-21
II Timothy 4:8
Revelation 4:9-11.