So imagine our extreme disappointment when we receive his game schedule and we see that four of his seven games are scheduled on Sunday. Of course we'd realized that it was possible, but we thought we'd done our research since we'd asked a lot of previous participants in this league about this very issue, all of whom told us that they generally only had one game at most each season. Even the sports' league website indicates that they keep the Sunday games to 25% or fewer of the total games on each team's schedule, which would've meant 2 or fewer for us. We figured we could deal with missing 1 or 2, but 4 out of 7?!?!
So here we are faced with his very first season where either Spencer would only be able to play 3/7 of his games or that we would be forced to go against our convictions and start down a very slippery slope (in our opinion) of playing on Sunday. Of course neither option is very appealing to us.
My immediate state of mind upon learning of his schedule was of frustration and helplessness--what could we do to change anything in this gigantic league with thousands of players?
Glen's immediate state of mind was "we should write to the football commissioner and see what can be done about this", which he did.
A week went by without any response (surprise, surprise)...
Since this coming week was going to be his first Sunday game, Glen decided to escalate his response and write a letter to the president of the whole league...which he did.
And much to our shock and delight...within twenty minutes of writing the email we got schedule change notifications that two of his Sunday games had been switched to Saturday!!!! Even the coaches are exceedingly shocked that the bureaucracy would budge.
I believe it's more than just the old adage about the squeaky wheel...I have goosebumps and a tear in my eye. What a small thing that is a big blessing for our family.
Great job Glen!! You do indeed rock! What a great lesson for all LDS parents. One to write up for the Ensign
ReplyDeleteWe faced that same dilemma about a million years ago with Pete's baseball and basketball schedules Sad to say that we did not handle it anywhere near as neatly as Glen did.
Although the Blaine baseball league played only weeknights and Saturdays, they held their season-ending championship games on Sunday. Pete chose not to play his first championship game and his replacement at SS had 5-6 errors and their undefeated team lost their only game of the season to a team they had already beaten three times in the regular season.
It was hard on Pete, but we were proud of him. And we are proud of Spencer and Glen for being a good example.
I won't go into the details, but it truly was an experience that if we do everything in our power, the Lord meets us along the way and pulls us accross the finish line. I don't think "miracle" is too strong a word for this experience. It is refreshing to see the Lord's hand in our lives day to day for something as meaningless to most as a youth football schedule. Another witness to me that He knows and cares about each one of us personally. For something so trivial as providing a way for our son who has worked very hard to learn the game of football to participate in a couple more games - He knew it was important to us and the miracle happened!
ReplyDeleteAlma 7:11-12
And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
What a beautiful post and comments from Glen. And think of the good example. If more of us speak up, things like game schedules and birthday parties and other Sabbath Day inhibitors will be more to a minimum. I think people are mostly ignorant of the commandment and the blessings related and would be happy to tweak things to benefit those who do love the Sabbath. Way to go Goolds!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story! It's nice to know others are respectful and responsive to your/our desire to keep the Sabbath day holy, when brought to their attention. I'm glad Spencer will be able to play a couple more games that he worked so hard for.
ReplyDeleteYeah!!! I am so proud of all of you! It would be just so easy to let them play on Sunday, but you did the right thing...and that is what is important!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that the games were changed...but the miracle came because of your willingness to follow the commandments...way to go!
Great post, Laura and Glen. We have had to fight that battle several times over the years. One year when Brian was about Spencer's age the basketball league had promised NO Sunday games - Richard and Thomas Quinn were the coaches. They had an undefeated season, and guess when the final game was scheduled? Yep - on Sunday. We were blessed - the "men in charge" listened to Richard, and they agreed to change it. You set a great example for your family, Glen. It won't be forgotten. Unfortunately, the battle will probably come up again.
ReplyDeleteDRAT - I mean LARA!!!!
ReplyDeletewhat a great example to show your convictions! We have been blessed so far not having to worry about that. I will remember this when our time comes to remember and choosing what is right! By the way, Spencer totally looks like a football player!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this story. We have run into this problem with sports with my kids and have stopped participating in a few because of it. You are such an amazing family! I have actually never thought to do anything about it besides choose another sport or just miss out on those game opportunities. Thanks for your example.
ReplyDeleteAngela McKellar
PS I love your blog and read it all the time!!
how awesome!! What a fantastic example you are!! I will be using him when it comes up in our family!
ReplyDeleteAngela!!!
ReplyDeleteHow fun to catch up with you this way! How's life?
We've got a new computer, so I don't have your email address anymore. Hope things are going well for you!!!
goolds@verizon.net