Lessons from the Sideline

We have just wrapped up another season of middle school soccer and our first season of high school soccer, and we are still in a season of recreational soccer as I finally sit down to write this. Honestly it’s hard to find time to write about being a working mom with kids in sports when you’re busy working and attending sporting events. Some have suggested I tell you about a typical day for me. I have given that a lot of thought, and have come to one conclusion:  there is no such thing as a typical day. Every single day has a different schedule and its own set of challenges and triumphs. As a result, I have learned/am learning many lessons through being a soccer and cross country mom. Here are just a few.

First of all, with three kids and working full-time, 

I can’t, and don’t have to, do it all. 

My house is never going to be as clean as I would like it to be during soccer season. As frustrating as it is, we do what we can, and the rest will be there when there are no games to be played. As much as I hate it, I can’t even be at every match or meet. I just can’t be in two (or three!) places at once. First Peter 5:5 explains, “All of you should be very humble with each other. ‘God is against the proud, but he gives grace to the humble’” (NCV). So, I have learned to depend on others, and friends or parents of other athletes provide rides in a pinch and my husband texts updates from the events he attends. My boys’ schedules take priority over my social and volunteer schedules, so weekly dinners at our home are put on hold, and others are recruited to help facilitate my Wednesday night Bible study. Learning to ask for help is difficult for someone as independent as I am, but it has been very humbling and rewarding. 

Secondly, flexibility is key.  

Since I am unable to control the weather, my husband’s work schedule and the outcome of games, my schedule is a constant work in progress. I deal with this by checking my color-coded online calendar, making plans A, B and C, and waiting for each day to unfold. This resolve to “go with the flow” does not come naturally for my “Type A” personality, but it has been refreshing for me. After all, “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28 (NIV).

Finally, my kids (and the world) are watching me
while I’m watching my kids. 

 I recently sat at a middle school soccer game next to a family I have been sharing the sideline with for eight years. I watched the dad offer encouragement to his son on the field, and his words were immediately echoed verbatim by his sweet five-year-old daughter. This reminded me that I set the example for my children. At another game I sat between two moms who are faithful members of my church.  One of their sons has even spent a lot of time in my home. Both of these moms were supporting their sons on the opposing team. This reminded me that I can’t behave any differently on the sideline than I would in the pew. With that in mind, it is clear that sports are a great way to fulfill God’s instructions to parents in Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NIV):   “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Every practice, every game, every out-of-town tournament, every win, every loss, every time they are MVP, every time they sit the bench, is an opportunity to teach our kids the Word of God.

Whether it’s our kids, other parents, coaches, referees, or umpires, Billy Graham’s words ring true:  “We are the Bibles the world is reading; We are the creeds the world is needing; We are the sermons the world is heeding.” 


Note:  This article also appeared in the June edition of Good News Christian Magazine.