She isn't just good at softball, she has a love of it. She wants to learn and improve and work hard and do well. She wants to be the very best she can and she's not afraid to work for it.
We signed up for a number and the gal told Charlie Mae, find a partner to play catch with if you want, it will be a while. There were a few girls running around, a few socializing and a few playing catch. I wait on her cue. She looks around, then up at me. Mom wanna play catch? ABSOLUTELY!
We grab the gloves and ball and we're off to the field. There is no greater joy than to share something you love with your children. And nothing makes a mom's heart happier than to see they truly enjoy it themselves. We worked on some drills, we noted some "bad habits", we visited and we giggled. I love it! I asked at one point feeling she may be getting bored, would you like to go watch the older girls? Nope! I just want to play with you mom. : )!
It was time to head over as the girls started gathering for the next round of tryouts. Nine year olds. My girl is older in her class, and younger with this group ~ A catch 22 for her really. When we walk over, although she knows many girls, they aren't her "circle". She was nervous. She commented how big some of the girls were ~ ha! I was thinking it BIG is right.
She didn't rush over to the crowd as she typically would but stood out by me until the coach prepared them with instructions. I could see nervous on her face and insecurity. I leaned into her gave her a hug and a kiss on the forehead. I then said, would you like me to share something with you. With those "OH PLEASE LET IT BE GOOD" eyes, she said Yes mom. I leaned in and said you need to remember "you may be small, but you are mighty! and you need to remember your brother's favorite bible verse. 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'. " She looks up and shakes her head yes and smiles. Then hugs me and tells me "I better go, please hold my stuff". I'm on it!
There she stood in line with the girls, 30 or so of them I suppose. She stood out to me. Not only because she is stinkin' adorable but because she is attentive, she is a good listener and she wants to be the best she can so she stands confident and waits with anticipation of instruction. I sat there in left field, proud of my beautiful girl who was taking a leap of faith and pushing herself.
She did great on the drills. It warms my heart when she completed the drill, she would look over. Not so much to make sure I was watching, or to get mom's approval, but for that comfort of knowing I'm there cheering her on.
She had a very good try out, VERY GOOD. I was so proud of her, her ability, her attitude, her spirit! That's my girl : )
Later we visited and I shared with her how proud I am of her. Maybe I said it one too many times, but then CAN YOU SAY IT TOO MANY??? She smiled and said "mom that's like the hundredth time you've told me you are proud of me" And I replied, "well don't be surprised if you have to tell me that's one hundred and one times because I am so very proud of you." She hugged me and thanked me.
All weekend I thought about what an amazing little girl I've been blessed with in Charlie Mae. I'm not only speaking in regard to softball. I admire her heart for others, her spirit, her laugh, her encouraging words, her ability to comfort, her love of family, her love of Jesus, her creativity, her fashion sense, her energy, her smile. Oh how blessed I am to have such an amazing blessing in my life!
The above picture; "Keep calm and love Jesus"... she made with an app and put it on her phone. When I saw that my heart melted. It put the entire try out into perspective for me.....My girl, she may think she needs her momma but SHE KNOWS SHE NEEDS HER JESUS!
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10