Decisions, Decisions

David decided a couple of weeks ago that he wanted to try out for the Middle School baseball team.  Now, just the fact that I am saying "Middle School" and "David" in the same sentence makes me want to cry buckets....but we won't go there for right now.  David isn't in MS yet, but because he goes to a small school, they allow 5th graders to try out for the MS team.  Rick was very skeptical; I tried to maintain a positive attitude and look at the benefits if he were to make the team.  The positive attitude went away when I saw my baby out there with a bunch of 8th graders.

I really prayed hard over this.  Or should I say, sat there on my knees, shaking my head, not really knowing how to pray.  He really wanted to make the team, Rick and I really didn't think he was ready.  What a conundrum!

We were told there would be one day of tryouts.  One day turned into two days, two days into three....you get the picture.  As we went back to the ball-field each day, a funny thing was happening with my 10 year old.  He started thinking hard about whether he REALLY wanted to do this.  You see, he loves baseball, but he has always played in church leagues - once a week practice, games on Saturday.  As David started learning more and more about what was to be expected IF he made the team, he really started to ponder how badly he wanted this.  Was being on the MS ball team going to be worth the price he would have to pay.

The answer came on Tuesday night, as he came through the door madder than a hornet.  "MOM!" he exclaimed, "do YOU know that if I make this team, I am going to have to practice FOUR days a week!  FOUR days Mom!" he growled.  "NO way do I want to do that".

Funny how, even when I didn't know what to pray for, God heard me and answered.  I loved watching my son weigh the cost factor in this decision.  His dad made him finish tryouts and he wasn't disappointed when he didn't make the team.  I was so proud to see him out there hustling right along with those older boys.  His work ethic on the field beat a lot of the Middle School boys.  When and if he wants to play next year, I know he will be ready.

The best part about the whole week was when he came home from try-outs, bemoaning the fact that if he made the team he would be practicing 4 nights a week he said "Mom, I don't want to do this.  It's not going to leave me any time to play with Dad."  Very proud of our little boy who is becoming quite the young man.