Don’t Aim, Just Shoot…

Basketball has been a passion for Calvin as long as I can remember.  I have videos of him playing in our driveway with Connor.  His big brother used to tease him, “Not today son!” as they went one on one.   Being six years older, Connor usually played circles around him.  Many days, Calvin held his own.

Sometimes, when tragic things happen, such as losing the supporter you admire the most, you just want to quit.  Connor loved watching Calvin play ball.  He saw the passion in him when he played.  He repeatedly told him how, if he worked hard, he would be successful.  He insisted that Calvin never quit playing.  Last fall, as his brother left this earth, Calvin’s drive to play basketball left him.  Going to games and practices became hard, but he kept pushing through.  As his season ended, he asked how he could keep playing.  At the same time, the coach from Metro East Lutheran High had offered to work with a few kids on a regular basis.  Calvin jumped at the opportunity.  His dad began taking him to these practices.

This past Saturday morning, I had the chance to take him to practice.  When we arrived, he was the only one in the gym.  Calvin looked at me and said, “I think I’m going to be tired today.”  I was confused.  Just then,  Coach Smith walked in and said, “You are the only one that showed today.  You are going to work hard.”  I then noticed the coach had music playing in the gym.  It brought a smile to my heart reminding me of Connor’s non stop music, as if he were there to say…I’m here.

As I watched Calvin practice, shooting over and over, dribbling two balls together at once, running drills forwards and backwards, all while being encouraged by a man I’d never met before.  Calvin was tired and sometimes frustrated.  He never gave up, he listened and tried again and again.  I knew what was driving him.  Ridiculous tears were in my eyes as another coach entered the gym.  He said hello and probably thought, what is wrong with this lady?

His younger brother and sister were out in the hallway.  They were reading books as they often do, when they must endure another siblings sporting event.  They curiously entered the gym as they heard the bouncing basketballs on the floor and a deep voice giving direction.  They sat on the floor, watching and admiring Calvin’s hard work.  The brother that teases them constantly, pushing their buttons, was now pushing himself.  They stared in disbelief as they watched him being pushed to do more than they had seen before.  He did it without complaint.  I saw a new respect in their eyes for him.  Respect I had only seen, for another son, so many times before…  

I’m not sure if Coach Smith realizes how he is changing our lives by what he is doing for Calvin.  He was encouraging him and driving him in a positive way.  I was impressed as he demonstrated each drill before he asked my son to attempt it, all while holding a McCafe’ in his hand.  😀  

Cheers to Coach Smith and all other coaches that give of their time teaching kids how hard work builds strength, character, confidence and the ability reach their goals.  My parents taught me that if you want something, you must put something into it.  God gave you talent when he created you.  Developing that talent is your choice.  Commitment is what you do each day to make tomorrow a success.  I am grateful that my parents raised me to understand this.  I am thankful each day for people who take the opportunity to teach others.  You are making a difference!  Shine on!

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  Whatever you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things and the God of Peace will be with you.  Philippians 4:8-9