Droopy but so not dead
I chose church over soccer this Sunday, and the show went on without me. Apparently, it was quite a physical affair, the Reston team persevering in the end by a 4-1 final score. My daughter Olivia scored one of the goals, so she says, and assisted on two of the others. But what she’s most […]
The least common denominator primes us
Every class has those kids. The smart ones, the curve-breakers, who pick it up early and run with it. They get it on the first go around. Hardly need our help at all. They have natural aptitude. Sit in the front of the class, graduate first in their class. They are on their way. Hardly need […]
If I Had My Way I’d be Out of a Job
My goal in life is to retire because the work I do no longer needs doing. To become obsolete. Walking the fields, strolling the sidelines, and as far as I can see children are playing: determined and skillful, sweating and graceful, completely exhausted, and deliriously happy. No yelling. No carding. No injuries. No […]
The Washington Redshins: First “Mothers” of Soccer
Before there was Abby. Before there was Mia. Before, even, there was Michelle, there was Chris Reynolds. You probably haven’t met Chris; in fact you probably have never heard of Chris. I was lucky enough to strike up a conversation with her as she circled the indoor track at a local sports facility. Still trim and […]
Where measure has no meaning
Toss or save Full or empty In-fashion or out New or old Useful or useless How we are people of the dichotomy. One or the other, thanks. Don’t both me with the muddle in the middle. Just get rid of it! My goodness, the safe shredding industry has taken root over night, to help us […]
Sewing Order
“We will so order our lives after the example of Christ…” That’s the beginning of the prayer we offer to newly baptized children or just confirmed young people in our church. This phrase always catches me. It’s that word: order. Not just act like Christ. Not just dress up like Christ. Not just have Christ as a […]
Signs and Wonders Still
In the old days, God made himself known through signs and wonders. Jesus worked miracles. Prophets dreamed dreams and had visions. But what about today? Well, if we can keep this just among ourselves, I’ll tell you…God gets my attention through little stuff no one else would notice. Like 11:11. It’s the date of my […]
What does an ACL really cost? The financial and intangible costs to players and families
Author note: Part I of 2 part article. Next Up — Balancing the Books: Effective ACL Prevention Is the Job of Every Coach I cautioned Katherine about the incidence of ACL injuries in athletic girls whose knees tended to fold inwards when they jumped and landed as hers did. The 8th grade basketball and lacrosse phenom […]
Sound Cancellation Magic and Mystery
Close your eyes and what do you see? Pin your nose and what do you smell? Shut your mouth and what do you taste? Cover your skin and what do you feel? Hold your ears and… you still hear what you heard before, just a bit quieter. I can’t shut out sound like I can […]
Father, Mayday is Calling
A man I love side-stepped death. No one expected him to come through, but he did. I would say it was by the grace of God. But he wouldn’t. He would say, “Guess my time wasn’t up.” For him, living and dying are two sides of a card. When the Great Hand flips it, you […]