Time Marching On

Today is the first Saturday since the first of August that I didn't get up at 6:30 to see Hop off for early morning football workouts.  I had this same feeling 14 years ago when my brother was a junior and they were knocked out of the playoffs.  It's like it was yesterday.  Now it's my child, not my brother, and the same feelings have returned.  There's one season left for these boys...just one...do they know...do they understand how quickly time marches on?

Last night we lost a heartbreaker.  Our team was so close.  The other team kicked a 43 yard field goal to win the game with 5 seconds left on the clock.  Our guys played so hard and left it on the field. 

God bless Hop's coaches, especially his head coach.  He has helped raise thousands of boys; helped them become men. Coach Anderson has been head coach at the high school for over 30 years.  Last night I stood back and watched him.  I saw him go to each senior, as they were coming to grips with their high school career being over, hugging them and whispering encouraging words to them.  It must be hard letting go each year.  The high school coaches spend more time with our boys than we do, so they become family, and it must be hard letting go.

Each year before the season starts, each boy dreams of being victorious, dreams of winning the state championship.  For our team this year, we had some great victories, but in the end fell a little short of the ultimate goal.  For all the juniors, there is one more year for dreams, football victories, and a state championship, but what the they will take away is so much more than that.  They learn about:  time management; being unselfish; relying on others to help you; leadership; listening to authority; the joy of victory; and the heartbreak of defeat. 

To this year's seniors, I pray you God's speed.  As you move ahead and look to finishing up  your senior year I hope it's filled with wonderful happy memories that you will carry for a lifetime.  For the juniors, I pray you make every moment count.  Live each day to it's fullest, because for you, next year starts now; and time is marching on.

Y'all be blessed beyond measure,
~ashley