All The Losers Get A Crown
I have been struggling with a bit of writer's block lately coupled with sickness and busyness. I wrote a few things but could never finish them or "land the plane" so they remained in the queue. Then cleaning up from dinner tonight, an old song "Get Down" by Audio Adrenaline popped into my head. It is one I often listen to while I running when I need a little motivation. Tonight it motivated me right out of my writer’s block. There is a line in the song that says, "I’m sure you've had a day like me, where nothing seems to set you free from burdens you can't carry all alone. To live your life you've got to lose it and all the losers get a crown!"
It seemed so fitting that I laughed out loud except I wanted to change "day like me" to "weeks like me." Sickness, a weird winter break, and Texas “snow days” with no snow have thrown me off a bit. The Tween has been home sick all week and she is missing a big volleyball tournament. I am sad for her and sad for me and my lack of "me time" if you know what I mean. The Teen made it to her tournament but they went 1 and 5 and it was a long defeating weekend. I smiled and I cheered, (texting the Tween to check in on her) knowing I was also missing Adam's basketball game and wondering if he would look for me in the stands. David was at home awaiting a playdate that I pinky swore I would make happen but I just can't be everywhere at once and it makes my heart heavy and anxious.
I arrived home to find, that the Mavericks lost too, but Adam did make a free throw. We hung our hat on that free throw as it was the product of our collective athletic efforts for the weekend. It had the potential to be a big victorious weekend for us but did not turn out that way and there were a lot of long faces. Athletes who were done for the day rested and David got his long-awaited play date.
Alas, the glimpse of a victory.
Would that it was all that easy.
The silver lining to weekend Volleyball tournaments is that there is no Sunday night practice. Win or lose, we are home for dinner and because we are rarely together as a family we cherish and protect a Sunday night dinner when it happens. Chad and I began to cook and one by one the family drifted in, comforted by the smells of dinner and some much-needed family time. Steak, veggies, garlic bread, and brownies were on the menu.
We gathered at the table, a motley crew at that, to discuss the highs and lows of the day. Everyone's low was obvious but their highs were sweet."I watched a marathon of my favorite show and I feel better."I got my play date." Mom watched all my games even though we sucked." I MADE A FREE THROW!"
After dinner, they dogpiled on their dad in the family room. It was one big huge long and lanky dog pile of love. Filled with laughter and joy! I meant to take a picture but was relishing the moment. Sometimes a mental picture will have to do! As we cleaned up the kitchen from dinner, I watched all my little losers back around the table eating brownies and laughing. No more long faces. Hearts full of joy and perspective and confidence. Sweet babies who will sleep well knowing they are loved. This is my crown. Busy and stressed and burdened, I now wear this crown.
I lay down my life and serve and cheer and comfort and drive and pray, for this! and I am thankful to God, for this! Going to bed tonight Adam said, "Mom, do you think I am a good basketball player?" Yes, Adam, yes I do, and I wish I had seen your free throw." Yeah, It was pretty awesome, I love you, Mom!"I love you, Adam!"He went to bed, wearing a crown.... and so did I.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-119 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their hard work. 10 If either should fall, one can pick up the other. But how miserable are those who fall and don’t have a companion to help them up!