Black & White Wednesday: Karate Kid & a rant

7 years ago when we moved into our current home, we contracted with Charter Communications to provide our internet and cable.  I ended up making the mistake many do, and giving my email address out to the "wrong" companies.  It wasn't long before I was SLAMMED with spam.  I closed that email account and began pondering a new one.  At the time, I was pregnant with our firstborn, Samuel.  Of course, as a new mother, I wanted to incorporate that distinct honor (motherhood) the Lord had endowed me with, along with something about the blessing in my belly into my new email address. ;)  Hence, mySamuelson was born. :)  I NEVER made a connection between Pat Morita's fond nickname for Ralph Macchio in the "Karate Kid" when deciding on it.  It wasn't until mySamuelson started karate in November 2006 (at 2 years and 8 months old, I might add!) that the correlation hit me.  Scarily ironic! LOL! :)

Now, 3 1/2 years later, mySamuelson is showing signs of passing up Macchio's famous character, the Karate Kid himself!  He took to karate (well, technically 'Kempo") like a fish-to-water, a bird-to-air, pig-to-muck....  Bet you get the point. ;)  He literally hit-the-ground running, or should I say kicking and pucnhing, and hasn't stopped!  It's absolutely AMAZING to watch a person matched with his/her talent.  It doesn't happen that often, but when it does, that old adage, "Feels like time stood still" takes on a meaning so real...so tangible.  Michael Jordan, Vincent Van Gogh, George Washington, Steven Spielberg......

This past Saturday, March 20, 2010, mySamuelson competed in his second karate tournament and won 1st place...yes, I said 1st PLACE!!!!  YIPPEEE!!! YAY!!!! WHOO HOO!!! HOTDIGITTYDOG!!!!!!! :):):)  I thank our most gracious heavenly Father for blessing mySamuelson with the physical might and brain power to excel in this sport.  A sport that has been so beneficial in helping his developing character embrace qualities such as self-respect, self-control, concentration and teamwork.  Proverbs 11:2 states, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."  I am humbled anew, each and every time I witness mySamuelson's gift.  Am no Saint, however...actually QUITE far from it.  Thus, I have to carefully monitor my heart to protect it from the toxic tonic of pride.  Webster defines "pride" in a few different ways:

"1 : the quality or state of being proud: as a : inordinate self-esteem : conceit  b : a reasonable or justifiable self-respect c : delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship

2 : proud or disdainful behavior or treatment : disdain" 

While I think it safe to say definition 1 b would be scripturally "sound", I have no doubt 1 a most definitley is not!  I happen to agree with well-respected, Christian author and psychologist, John Rosemond on this subject.  "Self-esteem" is the antithesis of all that Christ stood for and will continue to stand for, forever.  It is esteeming oneself, holding oneself in high regard.  Christ taught, while He walked His earth, to hold others above ourselves.  Specifically, in one of Paul's letters to the Romans, he says, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:10.

Where am I again???  Huh???  Oh, yeah...Lisa's Black & White Wednesday. ;)

Sorry to get off on a rant.  "Pride" and I have been in battle a long time.  Therefore, it should come as no surprise to learn I have very strong feelings on the subject!

But back to mySamuelson. :)

He geared up...

played hard...

 broke a little sweat...

and won!

We were all overjoyed...

 

ESPECIALLY his self-proclaimed coach, Dad...

whom I warned I would be pumping s few tranquilizers in before the next tournament! ;)