e of the most patient coaches I have ever seen. Not only did he learn the basic fundamentals and seem to improve from week to week, but they also did a phenomenal job of building up his confidence and allowing each of the boys to see Christ reflected in their actions and words. He played with a sweet and frankly talented group of little boys who had no problem passing the ball to each other and "laying off" to allow weaker teammates or even the other team score when they could have run away with it. Aside from watching Jack dribble "left handed" and his surprise when he made a shot, my favorite thing at the games was the opening prayer. It is truly a "goose bump" moment when you see 40 kids in
a circle and then when asked who wants to pray, at least half of their hands go up. I imagine everyone in heaven stopping whatever it is they do to observe such a precious sight. Every week tears would well up in my eyes. My favorite prayer came the last week when one little boy raised his hand and prayed the following: "Dear Jesus Help us play safe and score lots of points. Amen" Oh how our heavenly father must love these prayers! He doesn't need fluffy words or lofty lines, but just to simply hear
what is on our hearts. So many adults shy away from public prayer or are afraid they might "say the wrong thing". I honestly don't think our heavenly father cares HOW we say it, but THAT we say it. It's no wonder Jesus loved to have children around during his ministry on earth. I can think of no greater example of complete and utter honesty and trust than in the prayers of children. "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14
