Snapshots of Life: A Lesson in Patience

Patience. It's something we all strive to teach our children, but as adults we know we will continue to work on our ability to be patient every day. With game two of our son's new found soccer career over, I'd say that it was a day of patience for both children and parents alike.

I say this because this morning was photo day. Arrive 50 minutes before the game, only to ask the kids to wait patiently for their turn (parents too!). Then wait while each child has their individual photo taken. Next walk to the team photo area. Line up players in a row from shortest to tallest. Ask them to wait in the line formation. Finally, take the team photo. Then walk back across the fields to field 4 to start our game approximately 15 minutes late.

All this said, I never heard one complaint. No whines. No cries. (Not even from the parents!) There were a few "why's" and "when's." "Why do we have to stand in this line?" "When do we get to play soccer?"

Now, let's move on to the game. Of course, the kids have to practice patience. Not all of them get to play at one time. However, I have determined that my son's soccer games are just as much a lesson in patience for me, as for him.

As anyone at the game may have noticed, my #3 was not that much interested in playing the game today. He was tired. Wanted to have a snack and rest (or rather play with his sister) on the sidelines. He had to be encouraged to get in the game.

I'll admit, it's not easy as a parent to have your child not want to play, or not give the game 100 percent. The important thing is to remember that the game is not about winning or losing. It's about building character, making friends, and learning responsibilty. It's so easy to forget that team sports are so much more than just a sport. For example, just think of the lesson in patience each child learned today.

The YMCA philosophy puts the sport, the game, the activity, winning or losing, and personal success into proper perspective. The emphasis is upon being “a winner for life.”

The goals of the program are to:

• Build self-esteem
• Teach social skills - values, communication, human relations
• Teach physical skills - fitness and health
• Build relationships among peers, between parent and child
• Develop responsibility, decision making and leadership skills
• Create a fun experience for youth and parents.

The YMCA believes that learning and growing is more important than finishing first. That parent and children should have opportunities to learn and grow together.

I'm glad that today I had a chance to teach my son patience and "grow" my patience too!

On a lighter note, I also had a lesson in patience trying to capture the perfect photo. As a former photography student, who shot high school sports for the yearbook and school newspaper, you would think that I'd know better.

With 12 Pre K and Kindergarten kids running the field, and all chasing the ball in a group, it's just almost impossible to capture that great steal or kick. I think I got more shots of the other team's players than our own, and over half of my photos had backs only (often of the coaches and ref!).

My photos are by no means perfect - blurry, grainy, too dark, too light. However, I must remember that the photo is all about the memory. And what memories we will have of our first soccer team!