Now Starts the Greatest Upset
What if the turnaround is already quietly underway?
Love,
I hope you are doing well! I’m feeling a bit tired and a little unfocused right now. My thoughts are all over the place, and I keep finding ways to distract myself instead of focusing. Story of my life...but okay, let’s do this.
So back in high school, when I would meet with Coach Bridges between sets, if I wasn’t doing so well, he’d always say: Now starts the greatest upset of all time. LOL. But it was his way of encouraging me not to give up. I was thinking about that the other day, and it reminded me of how God often works in our lives. Sometimes it looks like the enemy is winning, but just when all hope seems lost, He swoops in and turns everything around with a miracle.
This weekend we were invited to two birthday parties for kids from school, so it’s been a couple of days full of fun and celebration. And way too much sugar!
I’m so grateful we were able to get a scholarship to send our oldest to the Christian school here. He absolutely loves his kindergarten teacher and classmates, and he’s excited to go every single day. His teacher’s daughter actually works with my dad, so it feels like such a close-knit community. My dad often helps with school drop-off and pick-up since it’s right by his office, which has been a huge help.
We were a little early for school pickup one day last week, so we stopped by my dad’s office to say hi. While we were chatting, he mentioned that one of his friends helped fund the Christian school and had sent all of his own kids there. I’ve been thinking about writing him a note to thank him, because the school is such a blessing. We’re so grateful for his generosity and the way his investment continues to make a difference. It’s truly a wonderful school, and I love their heart and approach to learning.
This afternoon during nap time, I managed to squeeze in a quick workout. As I was doing planks and push-ups, I found myself thinking back to rugby practice. I played flanker (either 6 or 7), and thankfully was able to play one full season after my injury. Coach Matt was a great mentor and really supportive through it all.
When I played I always noticed a kind of unspoken connection between the loose forwards. It’s a kind of trust that doesn’t need words. You can just feel it. Over time you learn to sense when to push forward, when to hang back and support, and when to cover your teammate. And when that connection is strong, there is this natural balance between attack and defense that just keeps everything flowing.
My mom and I were talking a couple of days ago, and she mentioned that people at church have been asking her to join a committee, and they also asked my dad if he would consider becoming an elder. But she said that (at least for now) they both feel God is calling them to invest more of their time and energy on their grandkids and not take on any new commitments. My mom still sees clients for counseling and also serves on the HOA board, so she has a lot on her plate already.
At church I’ve been spending time in the nursery with our youngest, but thankfully they stream the service in there, so I can still listen and follow along. I remember the first weekend, I was a little distracted and only half paying attention when suddenly I heard my mom’s voice reading the Scripture. It completely caught me off guard since she hadn’t mentioned she’d be doing that! It turns out Brian asked her at the last minute to fill in. While I was in the nursery, I also had the chance to chat with Brian’s wife and hear a bit of their story. They seem like such a lovely couple, and I know my parents are really grateful for the church community.
The other day I was sorting through some things and found my piano sheet music from high school. I was flipping through the book and came across all these dinosaur stickers that Mrs. Anderson put on one of the songs I performed at my senior recital. Seeing them again made me smile and think back on all the wonderful memories I have with her. I took lessons from the time I was six, so she was such a big part of my childhood. (The first part is crossed out because we got creative and ended up combining it with my favorite song — Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing).
Speaking of dinosaurs, the boys and I read How Do Dinosaurs Stay Safe?, and I took a picture of one of the pages because it was just too cute not to share.
It’s getting late here and I should get some rest. But before I do, I just want to remind you that you are exactly who God chose for what He’s calling you to do. And I’m praying He gives you the strength, peace, and wisdom you need for everything that’s ahead.
With love, Jeanie
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6