I know all parents dream about their children growing up to be or do something great. We parents want only the best for our children and we want them to have it better than we did, (some of us did not have it too bad, but you know what I’m saying).
We want them to be smarter, stronger, healthier, faster (looking at myself––though not slow on the field, I was just never accused of being a speedster) and just all-around in better situations than we were in.
I know that many of us dream of having bigger houses, nicer cars and more money than we can spend in our bank accounts, but that is not necessarily the success that I am referring to when I speak of wanting my children to be better.
Hopefully the lessons I have learned from being stupid can be conveyed to my children in a positive way to keep them from getting their noses bloodied, so-to-speak, and make better decisions at an earlier age.
Many are hard-headed and sometimes have to touch the fire to learn that it is hot and will burn; I just hope my scars are enough for them to see what the outcome can or will be and they will steer clear of that situation.
Whether it is how they approach their studies, crazy idiots on the road when they are driving or what pitch to be looking for with the count 2-2 with less than two outs and runners on second and third, I’ve been there and done that, as we all have, and I do have some pertinent info to share.
I have three sons, so my experience is limited with the upbringing of the opposite gender. A young man takes direction sometimes without barely acknowledging what I have just told them or maybe with just a nod of the head. But they do want direction, even if they seem like they do not. Ask any football coach about athletes who do not have a strong father figure at home. These young men soak up any direction they can get from who to block on a fullback dive to how to pray in the midst of a struggle, or just praying when things are good.
These are lessons I try to teach my sons. Not necessarily who to block, but Who to look to at all times and in all facets of their lives. I want them to know that He is there for them all of the time, good and bad. I want them to know that He has given them their abilities to hit a curve ball, draw incredibly detailed pictures or to have speed and quickness with the ability to argue about anything, and I mean anything, for reasons other than self-glorification. I want them to know that any gift they have is only for the glory of Him, always.
I love prayer in sports, not that God favors one team over the other, but how it can shape a young person’s life, win or lose. They should be willing to give Him glory in either situation and be a living testament in everything they do on and off the field…which works in everyday life too. These are the most important things I can pass on to my sons and I pray that it will be a legacy that will continue eternally in my family.
Praise Him when you strike out and praise Him when you miss that jumper at the buzzer. How you respond in either situation speaks volumes about the person you are and Who you cherish most. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy,” – Matthew 2:10.
Jesus is the reason for the season folks…MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
