Football, football, football ... that's been our life every evening from 6 to 8 pm. It's funny how a sport can change life so much for a family. But it does. Practice every night makes for late dinners and even later bedtimes.

And the practice itself is not easy. There's running (a lots of it), calisthenics, learning plays and positions, more running. It's intense to say the least. The coach is intense and expects a lot from 8 and 9 year old boys. I definitely have moments of thinking "this is too much," or "their running again," but I also see boys learning respect and discipline. And how to dig down deep inside and push themselves.

My son has definitely grown from the experience so far. He has learned what he actually can do when he pushes himself. And I guess I have really enjoyed watching him find that in himself. Because it's something no one can do for him. He has to wrestle with it and find it in himself.

Now we have had days where his heart wasn't into it. His attitude has not been the best and being mom, I'm the one who gets to hear about it. And I listen. I leave him with encouragement and watch him. Even on the sweltering hot summer days, or the days where he really doesn't have the desire to go to practice, once it starts, he gives his best. I believe he feels a great sense of accomplishment when its over. We don't have to talk about it, as I can see it in his attitude, his eyes, his body language. I am ever so proud.

Life can get crazy sometimes ... so many commitments, activities, chores ... just not enough time in the day. Or so it seems. Our past week has been just that. There has been photo shoots, planned outings with friends and kiddos, football practice, guitar lesson, and then the usual household chores ... laundry, dishes, grocery shopping, just to name a few.

Each task or activity, while great fun individually, has a way of overwhelming me when we go from one thing to the next day after day.

But its been on my heart just how my children watch me oh so closely and learn so very much by example, probably even more so then by my words. So with much prayer I have diligently tried not to get overwhelmed with all each day brings. Instead, try to look at each activity as a blessing and share that with my kids.

And I have noticed a change. Not just in them but in me too.

As we sat in guitar lesson yesterday, I really took in the moment and was ever so blessed. There we sat, in a truly funky little downtown studio, surrounded by guitars, amps, cords, charts of chords and notes. I found myself focused on my sons fingers, moving ever so fast. Sweet music filled the space and I thought, "Wow, he truly knows what he is doing." His instructor is so very gifted and works so well with him.

I am amazed how diligently he works.

He's little. He's my baby. But he's growing. Not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally. It's awesome to watch ... to be a part of.

I pray continually.

I love. I nurture. I encourage.

There's no better reason to work on my own heart and teach by example.