Volleyball Season is Already Over!

It's been so fun to watch our daughter and her teammates grow in their skills, their relationships with one another, and in wisdom this past season.  They lost far more games than they won, but their attitudes were amazing, striving each time to play their best game, not to merely win the game.  The season included some tough life lesson as well.  One student broke her wrist at the beginning of the season and could not play again until the last week or two.  Another student was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes within the first few weeks of practice.  Her world changed forever as she went from carefree living to having to regular check her blood sugar and administer insulin, knowing her life could be at risk if she ever misses those daily healthcare disciplines.  Then, in late September, one of her teammates lost her father to sudden death by brain aneurysm. He was one of the most faithful, humble, servant minded, ministry focused men on earth.  These challenges taught the girls that each day is a gift, and that hardships fall on both the righteous and unrighteous.  Sometimes we cannot understands God's ways but we can trust in His sovereignty and goodness.  The way these families faced their trials from a temporary injury to a life changing devastating loss strengthened the girls' hearts in ways nothing else could.  I'm so glad our daughter had this experience and was shepherded by a coach with such a giving, loving, heart for God and His children.

 

No circumstances, no matter how devastating, can bring these girls down!

She gave up her lofty gymnastics dreams to play school sports with her friends and has NO REGRETS. She learned a lot from her coach and her teammates and from her personal Bible study and prayer times with the Lord this season about priorities. She has discovered that she has far more joy and peace when she puts God first, people second, and herself last than she ever had when she had first place gymnastics medals draped around her neck.

Two of her biggest fans!

 Right after her last game

Team Prayer

  

 

Our daughter may not have been the MVP, but she sure did win the Coach's heart!