Soccer and Jesus
, 8.12.2010
Monday was Madeline's first day at soccer practice. Everything was going great. In fact, Madeline was kicking ass. She did as well or better than the other children, despite them having played two seasons already.
The coach instructed, "Everyone stand in a line!". Madeline looked around while all the other kids formed a line. Again, the coach asked the children (Madeline) to form a line. I yelled across the field to follow directions, and then it hit me: she has no idea what a line is. I relayed my epiphany to the coach, and in turn he explained to her the purpose of a line.
How did Madeline feel about a line? Silly! If she's in the back of the line how will she see?! She will just wait her turn while standing next to which ever child is in the front of the line. Thanks, but no thanks. She will not be participating in this line concept.
And then the moment I had been dreading. The prayer.
For the record, I have no problem with a Christian organization saying a prayer, I just didn't know how to explain prayer to a three year old. This is the same child who, by her own accord, has decided that Jesus and Santa Claus are make believe brothers. She drew her conclusion by observing they are both uber important on Christmas, neither of them are ever seen, and they both have beards. I can get with that reasoning, sounds logical to me. Since I couldn't figure out what to say, I said nothing at all. This was not my shining moment as a parent. I figured out years ago that the easiest way out is usually the wrong path to take.
Back to the prayer. The coach is kneeling, as are the children with their eyes closed in a circle. Wait. Let me rephrase. All of the children, minus Madeline. As the sun is shining on the team the coach begins the prayer. Madeline works her way through the circle and taps on the coach's shoulder. She's asking (loudly) what's going on. What is a prayer?! Why does he have his eyes closed? She's talking to him and he is being a little rude.
The prayer was short. After practice the coach made an announcement, "If anyone is not religious, and does not practice prayer, please let me know so that we can work something out."
Do you think that could have been directed towards me?
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