The Fruit of the Sport

In KY we look forward to basketball season.  Although at Scott County, every sport season proves to be exciting.  Just want to give a shout out to our football team for a remarkable year!

This poem came across my desk this week.  As a parent, it made me pause and think about what my kids learn from me.  What do I say/not say?  How do I act/not act?  As a parent, I am my kids’ first and forever teacher.

Hope you enjoy it.

The Fruit of the Sport

In my life, I have learned so much from playing and watching sports.  Now, I am passing that baton to my daughters.  I am beginning to realize, though, that there is a great opportunity for them to learn from me, and from my support or involvement in their athletic experiences.  My impact on their development is much greater than the coach or the lessons they may or may not learn on the playing field.

What sport CAN teach our children: 

·       Perseverance

·       Determination

·       Discipline

·       Leadership

·       Teamwork

·       Flexibility

·       Self-Control

·       Humility

What parents watching sports OFTEN teach and what I am guilty of teaching:

·       Bias

·       Impatience

·       Anger

·       Frustration

·       Judgment

·       Conditional Love

I may say, “You need to work on….”

But my daughters hear, “you are not good enough.”

What I want to teach my children as I watch them play sports:

·       LOVE, unconditional, love. 

·       I should have JOY in all circumstances.  The opportunity to participate is the blessing.

·       Be at PEACE and remember, “It’s just a game.”

·       As long as there is effort, there is growth.  I need to be PATIENT during the growing seasons.

·       It is important to show KINDNESS to others….players, parents, coaches, referees, and opponents.

·       I can demonstrate GOODNESS and grace by submitting to the authority of the coaches and referees.  They are not perfect.  I should expect and accept their mistakes.

·       FAITHFULNESS is loving, even when it is difficult to love.  This can be a challenge, especially when I believe my children are wrong or have been wronged.

·       My daughters are watching and listening to me, more than I am watching and listening to them.  My life must always reflect GENTLENESS in word and deed.

·       And lastly, SELF-CONTROL.  This can be a life long struggle for us all.  I need to seek forgiveness when I fail, but continue to strive for the better way.

By Toni Rose