260825 What I learned in my studies this morning 6

Today's Meditation:

The Pocket Stoic by John Sellars, p. 51

Tonight, after his 2-hour practice in the torrid summer evening, my son and I went to our normal Tuesday night pick-up game.

I feared he might demur, given his equally blazing hatred of being hot, but he persisted and played a fair amount. It took little coaxing from me to get him back on the field for one more play, one more point.

During the game I related the story of Muhammad Ali's famous quote about sit-ups — "I don't count my sit-ups; I only start counting when it starts hurting, because those are the only ones that count." — hoping to engender a bit more toughness out of him. One more go. One more round.

I'm quite happy to say he did it. He played hard, despite his fatigue and despite the heat.

I've worried for a while now that he is too soft. Historically, he's malingered and shied away from things requiring extra effort. And I've laid part of that on myself because he's had a soft life, never having to work really hard on things.

Tonight gives me hope. Tonight he showed more character. And he didn't grouse even once.

Makes me proud.

Go, kiddo, go!