Loud pounding at the door, followed by several rings of the doorbell and plenty of giggling compel us to open the door. The neighbourhood boys, home from school, have an hour to play before supper and the regime of homework. Ranging in age from 5 to 11, the boys call their foreign neighbours to come out and play. We were glad we brought our hockey sticks when we came from Canada as a way of reaching out to young people in our neighborhood. Our kids have taught their new friends how to play street hockey. Our children gobble their food, gather the equipment, and head out the door anticipating a good game and avoiding supper cleanup.

Once outside, the kids quickly choose teams and secure hockey sticks. The game begins with a face off. Sticks fly, boys and girls chase the ball, creating chaos, and then as the ball trickles from the crowd, someone swings at it with a good solid shot, and one team scores. The rosy faces cheer, grin, and the players eagerly start again. And so the game tosses from end to end, breathless kids laughing, arguing, sulking, and glowing.

Amidst this friendly game, our children encourage the players, give high fives to goal scorers, and keep the peace. For help, one of the parents referees. Sometimes a high stick results in a bloody nose, and someone offers an apology. Fun and games are a witness of fair play, a team working together, good sportsmanship, and grace--all things that speak for the Lord.