My son who has autism had his first basketball practice for the season. He has always loved basketball. He enjoys playing both the live and video versions. He has a collection of cards, has memorized the teams, draws their logos, and knows their players. When he was younger, he talked of being drafted into the NBA and playing with Scotty Pippen. If it only had to do with heart and passion, he would make it! For the last several years, he has played for local leagues that have tryouts, but where each boy gets picked and gets equal playing time. He loves it! Needless to say, he looks forward to basketball season each year. I however, become anxious and a little emotional at the first practice and the first game.
Each year he has had wonderful coaches and teammates. His coaches are men who volunteer their time to run practices and coach one game each week. Each one of them has treated him with kindness and compassion, but have also pushed him to be better. His various teammates have also been great. They cheer him on, encourage him, and make him feel like a member of the team. So with all of these wonderful experiences, why do I become anxious? Fear. Will this be the year that he will encounter someone who is not kind or understanding? Will the boys accept him? Will they become frustrated if he doesn't keep up or do well? Will the coach be encouraging and patient? Will the other parents be nice to him? Will he be offered grace and mercy when he falls short or fails?
The truth is, I ask those same questions myself when I encounter new situations and new challenges. Will I be accepted for me? Will I be offered grace and mercy? As I have watched my son over the years, I am encouraged to do what he does at the start of the basketball season. He offers his heart. From the beginning, he offers kindness, encouragement, and grace. In return, they offer him the same. It's wonderful to watch. And it's a good reminder to me as I encounter new situations and people; to offer kindness, grace and mercy instead of my fear. I'm not always successful, but watching my son and his teammates challenge me to continue trying.
