As I look over my calendar for the month of February, it
dawns on me; sports make my life incredibly busy! I feel blessed to have sat on
the sidelines of countless basketball games at various stages in my girls’
lives. I have always cheered enthusiastically for our team, and sometimes for
the other team. I have groaned at bad calls, sighed at missed baskets and
whistled loudly for my daughter, her teammates and occasionally for the player
on the other team who makes a three-point basket.
Most recently, however, I found myself thinking about what
we teach our children when they come off the court after a game.
Our team had lost a game 106-22, a brutal defeat and an
embarrassment to some degree.
Why does a coach allow his players to run up a score?
Where is the mercy rule in basketball?
As a parent on the losing team, these questions are heard
loud and clear on the sidelines. But
step back and listen, to the players who are vying for scholarships. Where
every basket scored, every minute played, and every foul shot taken can decide
if a University scout will ever look at you again.
Now do these questions have the same validity?
Sometimes, it is our perspective that can alter how we view
the results of what is ultimately just a game!
