With the start of another school year, we anticipate the coming sports' hoopla. Many communities across this nation will see the Friday night football lights glowing and the cafe' talk turning its attention from weather and politics to the local high school sports' scene. The beat goes on throughout the school year.
I would hope a parent or wise mentor would caution young sport participants on two significant matters. First, it is important for young athletes to understand and embrace the fact that sport successes or failures DO NOT alter self-worth. The sport participant is not more worthy when they win or have personal accomplishments nor or they less worthy after defeat or poor performance. It's a game!!
Secondly, there are NO guarantees in sport but there are risks. In simple terms, the athlete may practice a lot, work hard and yet play very little in game contests. No guarantees. The athlete may be criticized by the 'fanatic' (fan) and the sport participant can be injured during play. There are risks.
There is a tremendous up-side to sport participation. The opportunity to test one's physical and emotional resolve. The chance to embrace humility on the heels of success while drawing on resilience after defeat and applying learned lessons.
The two greatest anchors in my life, which have served me for my entire adult life are: religious teachings and sport participation experiences...I call on these anchors each day of my life.
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