Spring practice

My son of 14 years will receive his football pads today. He is a freshman and spring practice starts May 9 which is next Monday. He is a quiet thinker and I can see the thoughts running across his face about what to expect. Football is so demanding mentally and physically. No matter what kind of shape you are in, it becomes such a gut check when you walk on the field. He will be faced with pushing his strenght to the limit while keeping his head about him. He will be faced with much bigger guys who are older and want to make a fool out of him. He will be given opportunities of leadership to see if he can handle the pressure. He will help a teammate make it when they really want to quit. He will help hold the huddle together when the going is tough. Sounds alot like life doesn't it? My role as his mother? I will pray for him, love him, keep food in the frig, make sure he has shoes that fit, listen, be there waiting after practice, and tell him he is much more important to me than a game. Spring practice starts in 5 days, but my son began the game of life 14 years ago. He is a man now. I will teach him that real men are strong within their hearts and the game is played everyday. God has a gameplan for him and a team to play for.