In the first period, during a play when his team had possession of the ball, Jonathan was wide open near the net. This was highly unusual. The star of the team threw him the ball. I heard the coaches yelling, "Shoot Jonathan!" Jonathan shot and missed.
I was glad he had a chance to shoot but thought that would be the last time he would have the opportunity. I was wrong.
The next time they had possession--I could not believe it--Jonathan was near the net again, wide open. The star threw him the ball. The coaches yelled, "Shoot Jonathan!" Jonathan shot. Missed again. The other team got the rebound.
A little while later, Jonathan was thrown the ball again. The coach yelled, "Shoot Jonathan!" He shot. And missed for the third time.
By this point, I had tears in my eyes and my heart in my throat. I was overcome by emotion. I knew what they were doing. They kept throwing him the ball to give him the chance to make a basket! So that he could end the season with his head held high.
I prayed, "Lord, let him make a basket! For Your glory!"
But then the period ended. The next string came in and the game went on. Soon it was halftime.
While the halftime speaker went on, I thought, that's okay. At least he got to shoot the ball. That is HUGE for him. He never shoots the ball in a game, let alone get a basket. He'd always pass it to someone else. He's having a good game today. He's trying so hard. I'm really proud of him.
Halftime was over. The players ran back in.
It was Jonathan's last period to play, and his team's basket was on our side of the court. During one play, Jonathan was in the middle of the crowd under the basket. He got the ball. The coach yelled, "Shoot Jonathan!" He shot again. And missed for the fourth time.
But this time the rebound landed near his feet. There was shuffling and scrambling, elbows and knees, and he managed to get the ball back. His guard tried to block him. He paused, twisted and shot. Up, up, up in the air....then SWISH!!!
JONATHAN MADE A BASKET!!!!!
I jumped to my feet and screamed!!! WOOOHOOO JONATHAN!!!
Alan yelled, "WAY TO GO JONATHAN!!!!"
I think the whole gymnasium roared! Or maybe that was my own heart!!!
Two points!!! Jonathan made a basket!!!
Jonathan just stood there with a grin on his face as if to say, "That was pretty cool!" His coaches and teammates were thrilled, Alan and I were bursting with pride, and Elizabeth and Daniel were beside themselves with excitement.
What a picture of God's grace this was for me. He believes in us, even when we don't believe in ourselves. He gives us another chance when we've missed the shot. And He cheers us on when get it right!
After the game, it was once again time for awards. The coach said, "Jonathan, you made a basket! You did awesome! You get the award for Best Offense!"
Yes, Jonathan was awarded another gray star! What a day!
As we were walking out, I said, "Jonathan, do you remember saying you would never get the Best Offense star?"
He smiled. "Yeah, Mom, and I got TWO!"
I replied, "God is good!"
Thank You, Lord. You're amazing!
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think..." Ephesians 3:20
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