High-5

On Friday, October 29, 2021, I was witness to one of the greatest moments, one of those proud momma moments, seeing my child achieve.

We are early into the season of girls’ high school hockey here in Alaska. The way it’s set up, two schools come together to form one varsity team. The number of players vary on each team. Some have full benches, while others like ours have room for more.

When the girls got on the ice for warm-ups, only 5 skaters and a goalie were there. Imagine what it must have been like for those girls having 3, 12-minute periods. No opportunities to sit on the bench, catch your breath and rest your legs until in between the periods.

Regardless, you persevere, you keep going, pushing beyond the limits of what your mind thinks you can achieve. You are part of a team. You give it your all, your best effort, for there is a love and passion that runs deep. It doesn’t matter how sore, tired, exhausted you feel. You dig deep, keep going, finding the courage and strength to rise up, becoming the best version of yourself.

One might have thought the game was over before it even started, seeing we only had 5 skaters and the other team had about 13 skaters. Not only that, but they also had a lot of skilled and talented skaters too.

Yeah, they could have felt intimidated by their opponents, but what good would it have done? Absolutely nothing!  You try your hardest and do your best.

For those things you have no control over, giving them to God and letting them rest in His hands is the greatest thing you can do. Trust in Him to provide, to give you all that is needed to sustain you, help you through tests of time.

A healthy mindset, one that is positive, seeing the best in any given circumstances, will provide the best outcomes. Regardless of how things turn out in the end, you are left with a peaceful heart, one that is satisfied, content with how the game was played.

God sees us. He knows our hearts. His love for us is never-ending, never fails. We can do all things through Christ. Have faith and believe.

As for the game you might ask. What really happened then that made me so proud? The game was a good match up, regardless of the lopsided number in players.

Speaking specifically about my daughter (as much of my focus was on her), I saw a lot of heart, soul and passion being played in the game. Last night was more than a hockey game.

I saw the joy in my daughter’s eyes as she spent time on the ice playing against some of her former teammates.

I saw her spirit come to life, her laughter and her smile.

I saw a renewed sense of energy, even knowing how tired she must be from all the ice time.

I saw her taking everything in stride and enjoying life in the heart of a hockey game.

I saw the lightheartedness, simply having fun in a sport she’s done all her life.

I saw sportsmanship and respect for her team, opponents, refs and spectators.

I saw her light, radiating from her soul.

I saw effort, courage, strength, perseverance, a will and a drive.

I saw a teenager, loving herself, this time in her life.

I saw the freedom, poise and confidence with her stick handling and every stride skating down the ice.

I saw God, so prevalent this day, transform, change and provide for a young woman bringing her to the fullness of life.

The score at the end of the game was 1-1.

Wait! What?

Yes, you read that right!

Earlier in the game, the opposing team scored, and we were down 0-1. With under 5 minutes to go in the 3^rd period, my daughter had a breakaway and skated the puck up the ice. Her hard work and efforts resulted in a goal, which tied the game. Amazing achievement, wouldn’t you say? As I type this, I have some serious goosebumps and chills running through my body!! You see why this momma is now so proud!!

When we choose to see the best in ourselves and in other people, God brings things to fruition in their own timing. My daughter had an opportunity to show many of us the power of perseverance and what it means to never give up, regardless of your circumstances, and what others may believe about you.

We are all part of a team, God’s team.

We are in this together.

We are united.

We love.

We serve.

May your days be filled with God’s grace, His mercy, His blessings in your life.