Be good sport in the game of life
"Every athlete exercises self-control in all things."
- (1 Corinthians 9:25 ESV.)
I have three adult sons who grew up sports fanatics. Outnumbered by four men in our household, sports was the major theme. Anytime there was a football, baseball or basketball game being aired, you'd find it on the TV at our house.
My boys enjoyed not just watching the games, but playing them as well. Each year, they participated in football, baseball or soccer. And besides all the outdoor sports, video games were emerging on the scene. So if it wasn't outdoor games they were playing, it was indoor games.
They enjoyed it so much, I wallpapered their room with paper displaying footballs, baseballs, mitts, and bats.
Over the years, as an observer on the sidelines, I've seen my share of good and bad coaches, players, and fans displaying behaviors that revealed their idea of sportsmanship. And in this day and age, with an increase of the number of games played and the addition of video gaming, sportsmanship is a major issue.
Self-control is a spiritual virtue, and our children need some pointers on how to control their behaviors in hopes of helping with safety at sports events.
An explanation that athletic talent is a blessing from God and needs to be cultivated with time, patience and fun, not frustration, can help keep their talent in proper perspective.
Gratitude and humility, not bragging, should be the primary attitude. Fostering an awareness that it takes teamwork to be a winner helps reduce arrogance.
You win some, you lose some should be the motto. Handling disappointment in a constructive rather than destructive way helps conserve energy for the next round. Complimenting the opponent helps shake off animosity and shows sensitivity toward other's feelings.
God wants us to have a balanced life, not be obsessed with one thing. Foster a love for Jesus, family, friends, academics and other activities that are an important part of life and fun, too.
Keeping sportsmanship in proper perspective can keep the game fun. None of my sons went on to be professional athletes. But one thing I'm grateful for, even though they've received a few curve balls along the way, they've learned to be good sports in the game of life.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach, and nurse. She will be speaking at Panera Bread in Round Lake Beach Friday, Sept. 21, at 6 p.m. Annettee can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or call (847) 543-8413. Visit www.annetteebudzban.com.