The chairman...

also known as my youngest son, has begun to play soccer. We weren't sure which sport he would choose. We have a one sport per child policy. His oldest brother chose fencing, his next oldest brother chose soccer, and we told him he could pick between those two.

My husband and I grew up playing soccer so we know what is going on and how to help. Fencing is the quirky sport that really suits my individual competitor type son. Fencing has served as a visible illustration for the teaching of specific disciplines and perseverance.

Initially, the chairman had indicated that he wanted to fence. Inwardly I rejoiced because I could hand down all of the equipment, have an in-house fencing partner for Chess, and most of all, he'd have to wait until he was at least 7, even 8 years old before he could start taking lessons--buying me some valuable time.

The chairman chose soccer this year. I guess that the amount of time our family enjoys together at the soccer practices and games won him over. I'm not disappointed because we really enjoy our soccer. I have an intensely Latino background that does make me stand up and holler, "Gooooooooooal!"

So as the youngest one's season has started, and we've discussed the principles of his attitude and playing are to glorify God, that he is to obey his coach, that he is to be considerate of the other players, and that he is to demonstrate faithfulness and perseverance in his practices and games, it seems that he has been thinking about some personal goals as well.

The other night, prior to his first practice, he prayed, "Lord, please help me to do well at my soccer practice tomorrow. Thank you for the privilege of being a soccer player. In Jesus name, Amen."

And then he looked up at me with big, brown eyes and said, "But Mom, I'm nowhere near the World Cup yet!"

That's okay, son. We all have goooooooals!