As parents, we are our kids' biggest cheerleaders in the game of life. However, what happens when life throws a curveball that catches us off guard? For me, it was a sudden relocation to an unfamiliar town six hours away, completely altering our game plan, both on and off the field. My players, my children, found themselves on a battlefield, uncertain about who or what they would face next.
Now, our home-team must gear up to battle the most significant threat of all - emotional well-being. The question that looms is: What strategy should I employ? Do we charge head-on, attempting to confront it quickly, or do we play strong defense, aiming to slow the game down and chip away as methodically as possible?
How do you battle an opponent you know nothing about yet? New people, new environment, new location – it's like being a newcomer in a foreign land. We are all meant to be part of a community, but how do we find our "In" to be "all in"? It's a question that I constantly pray for guidance on.
For a stay-at-home mom of three, athletics (and church) are the first welcoming places that come to mind. Right now, I find myself endorsing motivation to my team, but even that requires walking a fine line. The nagging mom guilt makes me second-guess how much encouragement is just the right amount.
I'm confident that success will be the outcome of any new, rigorous workout. Undoubtedly, we will be forced into discomfort, but quitting the game of life is not an option when we play it together. My cheer will be - we will come out changed and stronger in some way.
The prospect of newness is also exciting! It's a chance to break free from complacency. Being new broadens our resources, introducing us to a refined awareness and appreciation of values as well as differences. Fresh faces, exciting events, and adding new people to our repertoire of known personalities.
In the face of change, we have to determine what is essential to hold onto when we switch gears. From packing for the transition – deciding what to take and what to leave behind – to keeping our emotional load light. If you can restart, know what's the important foundation and build upon that. Recognizing that you are already a strong platform that can support life's biggest arena is paramount.
Parents are constantly on the field with their kids, both literally and metaphorically, every day. We know our children's talents and hearts, and we are in constant training to strengthen life skills, acting as coaches and teammates. However, it's not always easy to know what to do when an unknown hurdle suddenly pops up. It's scary. We don't want our kids to fall or get hurt, ever. But change perpetuates training, whether it's proactive or reactive, literal or figurative, physical or spiritual. And training provides strength. Weaknesses come in different forms, and there's no shame in reaching out for help when you have a heavy load to lift.
I'm not perfect, but I'm all in.
Now, our home-team must gear up to battle the most significant threat of all - emotional well-being. The question that looms is: What strategy should I employ? Do we charge head-on, attempting to confront it quickly, or do we play strong defense, aiming to slow the game down and chip away as methodically as possible?
How do you battle an opponent you know nothing about yet? New people, new environment, new location – it's like being a newcomer in a foreign land. We are all meant to be part of a community, but how do we find our "In" to be "all in"? It's a question that I constantly pray for guidance on.
For a stay-at-home mom of three, athletics (and church) are the first welcoming places that come to mind. Right now, I find myself endorsing motivation to my team, but even that requires walking a fine line. The nagging mom guilt makes me second-guess how much encouragement is just the right amount.
I'm confident that success will be the outcome of any new, rigorous workout. Undoubtedly, we will be forced into discomfort, but quitting the game of life is not an option when we play it together. My cheer will be - we will come out changed and stronger in some way.
The prospect of newness is also exciting! It's a chance to break free from complacency. Being new broadens our resources, introducing us to a refined awareness and appreciation of values as well as differences. Fresh faces, exciting events, and adding new people to our repertoire of known personalities.
In the face of change, we have to determine what is essential to hold onto when we switch gears. From packing for the transition – deciding what to take and what to leave behind – to keeping our emotional load light. If you can restart, know what's the important foundation and build upon that. Recognizing that you are already a strong platform that can support life's biggest arena is paramount.
Parents are constantly on the field with their kids, both literally and metaphorically, every day. We know our children's talents and hearts, and we are in constant training to strengthen life skills, acting as coaches and teammates. However, it's not always easy to know what to do when an unknown hurdle suddenly pops up. It's scary. We don't want our kids to fall or get hurt, ever. But change perpetuates training, whether it's proactive or reactive, literal or figurative, physical or spiritual. And training provides strength. Weaknesses come in different forms, and there's no shame in reaching out for help when you have a heavy load to lift.
I'm not perfect, but I'm all in.
1 comment
Melissa
Lee, you’re 100% correct. I wish you and your family all the best! Things like this as difficult as they are will make you stronger, resilient and to always expect the unexpected. Once again Best of luck!!
Lee, you’re 100% correct. I wish you and your family all the best! Things like this as difficult as they are will make you stronger, resilient and to always expect the unexpected. Once again Best of luck!!