As a mom of two teenage basketball players, Friday nights are tough. For my youngest, it’s the only night of the week he has a game. My older son has two or three games a week. So, when Friday night comes around, I hope they aren’t scheduled to play at the exact same time.
     Usually they are. Tonight is a 5:30 p.m. start for the older son and a 6:15 p.m. start for the youngest. I’ll be late, but hopefully there, for the second game.

     I was stressing. Apologizing to my youngest. But then I stopped. I reminded myself I’m doing the best I can. I will be there, albeit late. As long as we let our kids know we care by making the effort even if it isn’t easy, as long as we’re trying our best, we’re doing OK. Tonight as I watch the first game I’m going to try to be totally there and focused, not worrying about what I’m missing in the gym next door. But trust me. When that game is over, I’ll be scrambling. 

     And tonight, if I take a breath and don’t worry about the scramble, it’ll be joyous.

     “Joy is not in things, it is in us.” ~ Richard Wagner