Setting Goals and Scoring Goals

Today was our 6th soccer match of the season. This is an odd season, as Jared really doesn't seem to enjoy soccer anymore. In fact, he didn't want to play in the game today. So, as we were driving over there Ray and I were talking about him not playing a 6th season (next spring) and possibly swimming instead. I quietly said to Ray, "He's not very good at soccer. I can't believe he hasn't even scored a goal this season. I guess he's just not meant to play soccer." This is the first season he hadn't scored at least one goal. Ray agreed and said, "Well, the last 2 games proved that. He doesn't want to be on the field. He just wanders around the field." With those words, I was already prepared to start the research on swim options.

However, I quickly came up with a plan. I had 8 cake/cupcake orders due in the few hours before that moment and a number of them paid in cash. I normally don't have cash laying around, so I blurted out, "Jared, if you score a goal today, I'll give you ten dollars." Immediately, Jared started praying out loud, "God, please help me score a goal today so I can buy a toy snake."

We walked over to the pitch and reminded him again the direction of his goal and that there was a $10 prize. Within a minute of him playing the match, he scored a goal. He was so proud. We were so proud. The crowd was cheering, as the other team wasn't an easy team to beat. In fact, they had already scored a goal or two before Jared subbed in and scored his goal.

The mom next to me was the one behind my inspiration. She had promised her daughter $20 if she scored a goal. At the time I thought it was ludicrous. It has been 6 games and she still hasn't scored a goal. She was cheering so  loud when our plan worked and Jared scored a goal. And, wouldn't you know? He then scored a second goal after half time. Some parents came over, cheering, as if to say, "There he is! I was wondering where he was this season!" The funniest part of all is that another boy, Roman, who hadn't scored this season scored two goals today. When I asked his dad (jokingly) if he had promised him money, he said YES! Now we know what motivates 6 year olds! I'm just worried that my little boy is going to want more money for the last 2 games.

As we were walking back to the car Jared said, "I prayed to God and he helped me score two goals!" Ah... that was my favorite part of the day.

“Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” Proverbs 15:23 (NLT)