A few more children to love

I have been awarded the opportunity to act as "team mom" (one of two) for the Sr. Boys Basketball team at the high school at which I work.  The role involves (at the core) handling the things the boys need that aren't directly related to coaching them. For example: first aid for ankle twists and nosebleeds, a reminder about attitude and language to avoid technical fouls and helping to re-tie neckties before getting off the bus. In short, team moms are responsible for injuries, egos and attire. When I signed on for this role, I was mainly coming out to support the team and help out the coaches, but I realized after missing one game how much the players look for that estrogen on the bench and the bus for a softer care and the fun we have together.

I'm proud to say my boys (yep, all 16 of them are mine) won the tournament they played in today despite some questionable calls by the refs, one ice pack and a few tough mommy looks. I will proudly be wearing my medal alongside them all day tomorrow at school.

~gg~

This week's challenge

Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good.

(Romans 12:9 NLT)

This is my current struggle. Let's face it, not everyone in our lives is easy to love. It might be a family member, a friend we've had for years, a classmate, a supervisor or a co-worker (that last one was for me!) - but there is someone who knows how to push out buttons.  Recently, I've been trying to make a conscious effort to be nice to the person in my life who is like that.  "If nothing else," I thought "I'll just pretend to like her."

Then I read Romans.

This particular passage of scripture doesn't say anything about me having to be her best friend, but it does say that my love should be genuine. I'm not just glossing over with a smile and then cursing her behind her back....which I'm tempted to do sometimes. So, I'm praying for a forgiving and patient heart without hate or malice and the capacity to genuinely love....even her. 

I told you guys already: I'm a work in progress.

~gg~