When you don't agree with your child's playing time.

Early on, a parent learns quickly about fairness, disappointments, success and confusion, when their child begins participating in a sport. Of course, at the younger level, most are guaranteed some playing time, that is not the case once into varsity level sports. We have faced this in our home. So how can a parent use this aspect of their young person's life for good? You know may favorite scripture, "all things work for the good of those, who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." During some of our lowest points this season, the one true and consistent thing was our unconditional love for our son. Regardless of what had happened during the four quarters of football, he knew his dad, mother and sister would be searching for him to stand behind him. Literally, we line up behind him as the coach talks. No matter how hurt my heart may have been, my love was greater for this young man wearing #22. He knows we always want a hug, a little bit of conversation, a smile, head held up, and a picture. I think it is good for our children to see our vuneralbility as a parent. They need to realize we feel helpless about things. They need to see we are hurt. We are confused. But, the life lesson here lies in the condition of our heart. Don't allow resentment to build. Identify the positive aspects of your young person's life throughout this rough time. Be honest with them. Tell them you are hurt for them. Above all help them learn that people will ALWAYS LET THEM DOWN. We can only count on Jesus to be EXACTLY what we need. He will never hurt us or leave us feeling so dejected. This stepping stone pathway to adulthood was never promised to be free of stubbed toes, skinned knees or bruised hearts, along the way. Parents cannot protect our children from the hurt of the world, but we can help them become stronger, so the next time life knocks them down....their skin is tough enough to brush it off and keep on walking, towards the real goal.