Competition Thursday

That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

 1 Thessalonians 4:6

God teaches a new lesson to me each and every day through the eyes of the little cowboy.  As you know, our cowboy has always been built just like a cowboy ~ he's lean, he seems all legs, (he has just now started his growth spurt), and he's not afraid to get a little dirty when the need arises. 
That's not the only similarity. 
He is a true gentlemen who loves John Wayne.  He opens the door for a lady, he lets a woman go first in the lunch line or out to recess, and he's not afraid to stand up for what he thinks is right.

Now for the lesson . . . . . . .

It seems the little cowboy had a small problem on the playground yesterday.  We all know how second grade boys are.  They are rough and tumble especially while playing.  Competition can be fierce and when you have boys that are very sports minded
the competition can be even more aggressive. 

The little cowboy was playing a game on the playground with the above described group of boys.  The rules of the game were simple.  Whoever caught the ball in turn gets to be the kicker ~ sort of a twist on kickball and soccer combined.  It was a made up game with the ultimate goal being that you wanted to be the person who caught the ball. 
The little cowboy is fast on his feet and a great runner.  The ball was kicked, he ran to catch it, and BOOM! karate chop to the neck right in the Adams apple with a hard shove on the shoulder and then a fall to the ground!  Not fun to be on the receiving end of that karate chop and it was given in a manner that was very competitive and unfriendly.

The giver of the karate chop has the reputation on the playground of making his mark on every person that plays the game but it still came as a huge surprise to the little cowboy. 

He discussed the "situation" as he called it on the ride home from Mimi's.  My feelings were hurt mom and I'm getting a little tired of karate chop boy doing this to everyone who goes after the ball during the game. 

We talked about competition and how sometimes sports can be rough
but the hurt feelings didn't dissipate. 
I think the worst part is mom that when I talked to the teacher and she had a discussion with him, he lied and said he didn't do it.  I fully expected him to say he was sorry and he didn't.  He looked me right in the eye and said he didn't do it but he really did.
I believe the little cowboy.  He is my child and you always want to believe your own child but the little cowboy is honest beyond measure.  We have always told him that telling the truth even when its hard, even when it hurts, is far better than ever telling an untruth.

The evening wore on and I did my Walkfit 4 mile DVD.  As I was drinking my water and cooling down the little cowboy crawled up next to me at the dining room table.  He had been reading from Luke in the bible and praying while I was exercising.  He said he needed to tell me something and he wanted to be honest about his feelings.  Mom, I've been praying for karate chop boy.  I think he's someone who is really hurting inside.  I think he's someone who doesn't have any self confidence so he has to bully and push other people around to make it seem like he's important or the leader.  He always says, "He's the leader" to all of us.

I have decided to walk by faith mom that the Lord will change his heart to be kinder to kids on the playground and that he will find his worth in being nicer.  For now mom I'm just going to pray for him but if he does that to me again I'm going to say, "STOP IT" that's not playing fairly and you aren't going to treat the players like this. 
He got up from his chair at the table, gave me a kiss and a hug and then said,
"there's a big difference between being a leader and being a bully".
There certainly is.


You are the leader and keeper of your temple. 
Your body is your house so dont' be a bully to it!  
Eat healthy, exercise, and put yourself first! 

I used to feel guilty taking time for myself.
 Think about others in your household and what actions do they take for themselves?
Do they have practices that they attend?  Does the hubby have a hobby?
As I think about the activities at my household I think about the little cowboy taking time to play with the dog or create a new bench with his tools at the shop.  The hubby taking time to read a chapter in his new William Johnstone book.   I know they don't feel guilty taking time to do what they enjoy or taking time for themselves so why should I? 

Promise me that you will make time for yourself today. 
Carve out 30 minutes each day for exercise.  Will it be in the morning, afternoon, or evening. 
Set an appointment with yourself each day and you'll be well on your way to your fitness goals.
With love & friendship ~ Stephanie

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