As I begin my final season of coaching baseball, I have a laundry list of items I want to communicate to players and parents. Since youth often wear their emotions on their sleeves, this game must be separated from life and death as the ebb and flow of wins and losses can be exhausting. Thus, one must possess the proper perspective to enjoy this moment in time: play by play, inning by inning and game by game.
According to Psalm 35:15-16, poor sports have existed for thousands of years. David recalled the times in life when his enemies reveled in his blunders, errors and missteps. Instead of celebrating, laughing and mocking the mistakes of others, perhaps its better to act like you’ve been there. If you reap what you sow, Galatians 6:7-8, overlooking the failures of others, this will lead to mercy in the future when you fail.
Over time, wins and losses will fade from memories, leaving one thing behind, how did you play the game? Did you give 100% all the time, did you take plays off or was your effort based upon your feelings? As the sand in the hour glass slowly slips away, your legacy is in the balance. Act like you’ve been there before or else you’ll regret the reputation you earned as a poor sport, slacker or worse. With the slate clean today, turn over a new leaf now while the season is still young.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 