my Growing Boy

It was his first baseball game.  We watched Uncle Mike's team hit the ball and enjoyed the sights/sounds of a night baseball game.

I noticed the boys playing catch on the side, thinking that would be Zach and Andrew one day.  They were about 5 and 7, both with curly hair and tan skin.

Zach had also noticed this side game.  He watched intently as the brothers tossed the softball back and forth.  I could tell he was studying their movements, wanting to join in the game.  I didm't know it, but he was waiting for his moment.

Finally- an errant pass- the ball on the ground, rolling near but not to the older boy.

Zach darted into the grass straight for the ball, meeting it at the same time the owner did.  A grabbing/wrestling match ensued for approximately 5 seconds after which the owner came up holding the ball.  Zach sat in the grass looking up at the prized possession.

On their own, the brothers moved closer together and began including Zachary in their game of catch.  Although he didn't understand the rules and needed my encouragement to throw the ball back, he was thrilled!   He played catch for the next 30 minutes until we said goodbye and went home.

Not many 2 year old boys would dare enter the fray of older boys, but my Zachary bided his time and went for it!  As a parent, a former coach, an athlete- I. Love. It.  You can't teach that instinct or aggression.

the flip side 

In a room of 2 and 3 year olds, he is quickly identified as someone needing extra attention.  Sharing isn't developmentally appropriate and he's not interested in it.  If he wants the toy, car, train, ball- he moves to make the object his.  If he is blocked, usually by an adult, he is frustrated and acts out.

We've had reports of hitting, biting and toppling cars (with a child in it).  This, of course, doesn't surprise us because we experience the same behavior at home.

Our prayer is for wisdom in the tough moments; for patience to respond in love; for friends his age with his temperament and with thanksgiving for this perfectly made little boy.  We want to channel this aggression and help him learn self-control.

It's a tough task.  But do you see this face???
It's also a privilege and our joy.
Amen.