Feast Mode Activated

I was at a basketball game supporting my nephew a few weeks ago, and I heard a coach say something that stuck with me. She told the players, in a close-scored game, “They put their pants on just like you do.” I’ve heard this said many times. It wasn’t that the quote was new—it was who she was saying it to. Kids. Playing basketball.

The problem that I have with sports in elementary school is simply that most are taught to dislike the competing team. I get it… kinda… but mostly I don’t. Competition is okay. It’s what makes sports fun. But eventually, especially in the same county, these kids will grow up and go to school together in middle and high school. They will possibly become friends, so why start off in elementary school with so much negative competition against another kid at another school? I don’t see the point.

So I loved what this coach said to her players. She didn’t say anything wrong. She didn’t put the other team down. She didn’t make her team sound better. She told them that they were the same, pretty much. And to me, I like that.

Kids have talent in different areas. Some are athletic, some are book smart, some are musically talented, and some are artistic. Some are good with their hands and hard labor. Some are critical thinkers, and some are good with outdoor sports. It makes the world go around. It takes some of everyone to make it all work. I hate when I see a coach trash talk a kid. I think it’s unprofessional. Kids learn in different ways—it’s true. But I don’t agree with trash talking.

Also, parents pay quite a hefty price to get into these ballgames. It’s a lot different than when my kids were little. But we want to support our kiddos. And I’m all about positive encouragement. So—to the coach at Oneida Elementary, I’m not sure of her name, but she is awesome and left a positive memory for me.

It’s almost turkey day, and I’m also positive that I will eat too much of my Papaw’s dressing. I can’t help it. I try to stop when I should, but it rarely happens. It’s so good!!! I hope y’all have the best Thanksgiving. I ask that we all remember the families who will have a family member or two not there with them this year. For us—it’ll be the first without Cashton. We know how much he loved Thanksgiving and will do our best to share the happy memories of the almost 20 years that he was with us each Thanksgiving.

Life isn’t the same when we lose someone that we love. I love you all and wish you the happiest and safest Thanksgiving.

Be an encourager.
The world has enough critics already.