A SPECIAL GAME FOR SPECIAL KIDS

I spent Wednesday night watching my grandsons play baseball. The schedule made it possible for me to see all three boys play in one evening. I did not expect the most memorable part of my evening would happen on the walk between the two games. The University Little League plays at a beautiful complex in south Fort Worth. There must be at least ten well manicured fields where kids age four to twelve can complete. Caleb and Jonathan were playing a pee wee game at one end of the park. Andrew's game followed at the opposite end of the complex.

There was a fifteen minute period between the two games. As I made my way I was drawn to a game taking place on another field. What caught my attention was that the number of adults on the field outnumbered the kids. It's not unusual to see a parent video taping a game, but these folks stood in the middle of the action. The bleacher were filled with fans who seemed even more vocal than usual. I was intrigued. As I ventured over to the fence I began to understand why all the attention. The players in this case were special needs kids. Some wore braces, and one was in a wheelchair. The scoreboard was operating but I don't think anyone noticed the score. I watch for a few minutes and then continued on.

Later I noticed that the game had concluded. All the fans had exited the bleachers and had joined those who had been on the field. They formed two lines at the gate where the players would leave the field. As each player exited they were greeted with cheers and high-fives. It's hard for me to remember a time when I had seen more smiling faces after a game. There were no losers this time.

Athletic competition is part of our culture. Most of the time with kids, we put too much emphasis on winning. It was nice to be reminded that when it comes to kids, making sure they have the opportunity to participate and have a positive experience is most important. I wish every child had the opportunity to leave the playing field as happy and affirmed as did those special needs kids.

Is Texting at School at School OK?

I have not update my blog over the last few weeks. I've been a little preoccupied with our daughter's wedding. It was quite an event and in the process I learned again the value of family. Having so many folks traveling to DFW from all over the country, made for a special celebration.

There were a couple of news events that have happened over the last few of weeks that deserve to be commented on, but one at a time. A few weeks back the Plano, Texas Independent School District decided it was OK for students to use their cell phone outside of the classroom during the school day. That means students are free to text in the school hallways and lunchroom. When I posted this news on Facebook I got an immediate response from adults, many of whom are teachers. To sum it up: adult sided in against the change, seeing it as giving in to kids.

I have taken a random poll of teens and most don't see it as being a big deal. Many admitted that they were already texting at school, even if it was against the rules. Most felt making it legal would allow them to come out of their lockers. In this case I feel a tendency to side with the kids. While I am among those who grieve the loss of meaningful eye contact, I find some comfort in knowing that texting probably saves a few trees in Oregon every day. The reality is texting is part of our culture. Let's embrace it and help kids learn how to use it effectively. A great topic for conversation might be: What messages should always be delivered face to face rather than via text?

Staying Grounded at Ground Zero

As the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy approaches, we all have memories of that day. I was at work as a school counselor that day. As the day began I was meeting with two students who had chosen to go AWOL the previous day. Their motive was good, a friend was in trouble and they skipped school to drive to Arkansas to help them. But both students had a history of struggling academically and could ill afford to have missed a day of class. I was trying to walk them through the decision making process when our principal interrupted. Pat respect my office and my responsiblity to students. In this case, the look on her face told me something was seriously wrong. "I need you now," she stated. Once in her office she informed me as to what had taken place on the east coast. "We need to do something to let the kids know God is still in charge," she concluded. While I had been in my "counselor bubble" most of the students had watched the events transpire on classroom televisions.

We decided to switch to a chapel schedule, which called for worship after second hour. I was the logical one to serve as leader.

Our family was already in turmoil that day. My wife, Barb, had been diagnosed with breast cancer the previous afternoon. The first of her multiple surgeries was scheduled for September 13. Now,in comparison to the crumbling towers, our tragedy seemed insignificant. Still, there was a big question mark over our future and now our nation's security.

My words to the student body that day were based on one of my favorite scripture passages. "I look to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip. He who watches over you will not slumber." (Psalm 121:1-3)

Jesus tells us, and the realities of this world constantly remind us, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Those are words we need to repeat as we commemorate the tragedy that was 9/11. This side of heaven, there are going to be more tragedies. We all are one breath away from eternity. So, we live fearlessly and confidently. That is a message we need to say loud and clear to our children in both words and actions.