Last week Emmanuel's basketball season ended with his all-star game. East vs. West in the city we live in. But the season didn't start out the same. It was his 4th season playing basketball, But his first season with the bigger age group. This age group was something he had looked forward to since he started pee-wee basketball at age 4. In this group, he would actually have more than one team practice a week, play full court and have the opportunity to be picked for the all star team.
When he was put on a team,, it was a bit frustrating. He had a brand new coach who was struggling coaching them, he had kids on the team who could not focus, and despite being the most experienced on the team, he was the smallest. There was a lot of practice to do.
A lot of practice. They scheduled lots of practices during the week and they all seemed to improve. Emmanuel became a pro at dribbling, running more since now they were playing full court., and shooting with more power since now the baskets were taller. They didn't win every game, And a lot of the other teams seemed more organized, more prepared, and better overall, It was frustrating and as a 6 year old kid, he wanted to quit.
But as weeks went by, they got better. They became more focused, more of a team. And Emmanuel forgot about quitting. He was becoming more of a leader on the court. He wasn't the biggest or the best, but his practice made him better and he was always there to lead his teammates on defense. By their last game, they looked like pros. The same team they had struggled against at the beginning of the season, were now struggling to score against our team, the Brooklyn Nets.
Emmanuel's persistence, practice and dedication also paid off, He was one of 2 kids from his team to be picked for the East All Star team. We were ecstatic! However, the first practice with his all-star team, was about to create more frustration. He went from being one of the best on his team, to playing with the best of the best. Older kids, taller kids and more experienced kids, He went from being a starter to coming off the bench. It was an adjustment, and for a kid i could see his frustration.
I learned a lot this season! The things that we go through with Emmanuel always seem to remind us of something to apply in our own lives.
I learned.....practice and hard work does pay off. This little boy improved. His team improved. The team that played the first game and the last game were two completely different teams. All because they took what their coach taught them and put it into practice. Same way we ought to practice what God teaches us.
"Philippians 4:9
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
I learned that we all have different roles. Some kids were point guards, forward, center, and shooting guards. All played a role in winning a game for their team. They all needed each other. Same way we need each other in the body of Christ.
I pray you are encouraged to continue in the role God has given you. You may not be the best, but you can ve the best You in the role that is assigned to you I encourage you to continue to practice the lessons God has taught you. And I pray you continue to persevere. It wont be easy. It may be frustrating. Don't compare yourself to others, keep your eyes on Jesus.... He's already picked you to be on His all star team!
Love, Meli
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