Thrive

CF's homeschooling days are done. He stepped into a classroom for the first time this week. Middle school is difficult to navigate in the best of circumstances, but never been in a classroom and the new kid is a lot of pressure. Of the three of us, he has faced the most disappointment these past several months. So I was somewhat anxious, not wanting anything to add to the list of his heartache.

There have been a few bumpy spots like morning nerves that kept breakfast from staying down and a bully twice his size who retaliated after football practice for CF chop blocking him, causing him to fall back on his tookus. But the Lord has shown His goodness and grace. Having spent the summer in football practice kept him from walking into the building a loner. Several classmates have led him around and helped him get acclimated to his new environment. He even has a new friend that physically looks out for him, carrying his backpack and football gear when he notices CF struggling. (This mommy heart melts seeing his buddy, towering over CF, walking up beside him and grabbing his bag. So kind!)

But God's greatest blessing this week put the twinkle back into CF's eyes.  CF is competitive little fireball on the field whether it's football or lacrosse, rallying his fellow players and giving it all he has. As I've watched him practicing with his new team over the summer, I knew that spark had left him. (I had hoped being on the field would bring it back.) So the coaches were overlooking him...except one. He must have caught a glimpse of something and CF became the third string QB.

Last night, the season opened with a scrimmage game. The opposing coaches obviously agreed to play the first string for the first half of the game, second string during the third quarter, and third string during the fourth quarter. The score was tied going into the fourth quarter. Now is CF's opportunity to shine. 

First series went okay, but nothing to comment about. But on the final series of the game, he led the team to gain 70 yards and score a touchdown! He ran two of the downs, one of which resulted in a 45 yard gain while he juked, stiff armed, and even hopped on one leg to avoid being taken down. The entire crowd was on their feet cheering and encouraging him on!  High fives, pats on the back and upside the helmet, words of great job, and even a chest bump from the coach. 

As he was trotting to the sideline, I could see it, all the way from the top of the stands. The twinkle is back. My baby is going to be okay. Not only that, he is going to thrive! Thank you, Lord!