Saturday, October 20, 2012

Disappointments and Perseverance in Trials

James 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Romans 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.  

     Last night was the last Marshall football game.  Marshall has had a very poor season this year, winning only one game.  Since our grandsons play on the team, one JV, one Varsity, we have gone to almost all of the games.
    Our oldest grandson is a senior this year.  He is the team kicker.  He has always loved soccer but gave it up because he was asked to kick for the football team.  Anyone who lives around here knows football is a big deal while soccer in high school is almost non-existent.  He is an exceptional kicker (I don't just say that because I'm his grandma.)  Last year as a junior Daniel set several school records including the most after-touchdown points scored (63) when Marshall won almost every game with high scores.  He also made all-conference kicker and received several other awards.  His longest field goal in games last year was 43 yards which is 2 short of the school record.  In practice he kicked field goals several times over 50 yards.  I tell you all this to explain our disappointment this year when several times the team was in Daniel's field goal range on the 4th down with 8 or more yards to go and the coach chose to try for the first down instead of a field goal. We were all asking why not let Daniel put a few points on the board, and also attempt to beat the school record?  Two of the games Marshall played could have been won with field goals, but the opportunity was by-passed to try to make a first down.  Of course, every time the ball was turned over to the other team without making the first down!    
     Last night was no exception.  We played Casey who is undefeated this year.  Three times we were within field goal range but instead of letting Daniel attempt the field goals--one of them would have been a school record--it was decided to go for the 1st down, and of course that didn't work.  Marshall failed to score at all and Casey won 34-0.   I think the most irritating thing about it is that the score wasn't even close, so why not at least put a few points on the board while letting Daniel finish this most disappointing year with a little fun and excitement and an opportunity to improve his chances of a college scholarship?
     I have been reminding myself of wisdom I learned from Merlyn Carouthers when our children were teenagers. " If you're praying, (and I have been) and your prayers are sincere, you can praise God and thank Him for everything that's happening, because it is for your good or someone else's." The Bible says that God works all things together for good for those who are called according to His purposes.  I believe that will happen.  We know that it also says that trials produce character.
      So thank you Lord, for trials and opportunities to forgive.  Thank you for working all things together for your good.  I am excited to see what you are doing in Daniel's life.  His attitude and perseverance have been commendable.  Thank you, Lord.  We stand on your promises.

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