So, I'm having this conversation in my head regarding the recruiting process from high school to play division 1 college football. Between April 15 and May 31 the recruiting season for rising-seniors picks up in earnest. We have been bombarded with letters and e-mails encouraging us to call, visit, consider.... It's a seemingly endless and distracting process of trying to make sense of whether this is about a college education or about playing football for a school.
Part of me thinks there's too much hype going on, with kids being made to feel as if they are the greatest things since the invention of... well, sliced bread. Another part of me feels like the kids have worked hard and deserve the attention they are getting. I realize how overwhelming this process can be, especially since I am so involved with my son's recruiting process. To date he has full offers from Purdue, Cincinnatti, UCF, USF, North Carolina State, and Duke with a number of others in the pipeline. There are so many factors to consider in the process of choosing a school, but the most important consideration is the need to remain grounded and recognize that God is the author of your destiny.
As quickly as all of this is happening is how quickly it can be gone. In an instant the phones can stop ringing and the offers can stop coming. It's kind of like pastoring a church. You might be fooled into thinking your church is experiencing the favor of God because you are such a great pastor (If you thought that, the only thing you are is highly deluded). Your church is doing well because you have been "kissed" by God. I tell my son this truth all the time: "Don't get carried away by thinking that it is your skills and work ethic alone that have provided this opportunity for you. God will not share His glory with another, so it's vital that you remember who's in charge here." I'm recognizing that the favor of God that is on our church right now is happening in spite of me. It's humbling to think that I've been gone the entire month of April yet the church is doing better than it ever has (hmmmm, I wonder if...).
I've decided that the key to staying grounded is to enjoy the moments and remember that they are happening in spite of and not because of me. I tell my son the same thing regarding his recruiting process: "It only happens once, so enjoy the moment." What moments are you experiencing that you might be taking for granted instead of savoring?
Friday, April 25, 2008
head games and kisses
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10 comments:
Wow what a wonderful problem to have :) I guess we all stand out at different points in our lives and to stand out on a positive note is better than the opposite! Tell him I'll take whatever offers he doesn't accept...I'm going back to school in the fall to study medicine :) Who would have guessed that 10 years ago?? Not me. In any case - from a student perspective I think whether your education is about sports or education really depends on the student. A wise person (you :) ) told me when I was in high school that college was a life investment - not just school but a true investment in a multifaceted way...I think that's probably still true today. What a fun time for you to be going through this with him!!!
Precious Thea, are you really going back to school to study medicine? If so you can be my doctor in about 10 or so years! :)Amazing how "wise" I was back then. Now if I can just figure out some of the smart and sensible things I told so many of you back then, maybe I can apply them in my life. We are truly savoring the blessings of this season.
Sounds like your son has amazing opportunities. I'm sure you've done this, but why not ask him...?
One of the things John taught me was that God made me the Hero of my own adventure and to go after my dreams- and while the glory, in the end, is His, He gave me the personality to have the desire I have to do the things I want to do and love to do and I'm not one to let anyone else...stand in the way. I'm sure you'll make the right decision. Don't fret....enjoy the blessing. Snatch it. xo
Ashley, you lost me in translation. Why not ask him what? I'm not sure I understand your question, but if you mean ask him what school he wants to attend, we're way ahead of you there.
you and your family's steps have been ordered by God. your son, your church are exactly where and doing what they were ordered to do!
God has allowed you watch His calls from sideline (on the 50 of course).
yes, that is what i meant. but like i said, i'm sure you'd already done so...wink
Kenneth, thank you for those kind sentiments. We are loving the journey.
Ashley, it took me a while but I finally got it. ;)
Wow! These are definitely exciting times for all of you. This might also be a good time for me, a dear and close friend, to learn the basics of football. I always tease my American friends that where I come from, football is when a ball is kicked by a foot! You do not run with it and grown men certainly don't push and jump over each other to get it. That being said, I think you are so right with what you said about staying grounded. Our son just got elected Class President and is really into acting and we try to tell him the same thing. Without Him, we are nothing.
Hugs and blessings!
Yes, I'm serious :) But...I plan to practice Obstetrics so unless you plan on having babies in 10 years I doubt I'll be seeing you in my office...but maybe when your girls are having babies you can give me a call :) That will make me feel old for sure! I hope you all have a great weekend! I also hope all is well with Sola's father and the transition there - we are still praying.
Nike, congratulations on your son's accomplishments. These are indeed heady times for all of us as we watch our kids fulfilling their dreams. Thanks for your support, love and prayers. We love you guys too!
Thea, I imagine that, about the time you are ready to enter into practice, my girls should be ready to have babies so learn well!!! Thanks for your prayers and care for our family. Sola's dad is with us until July and he is doing as well as can be expected, learning how to live life without his wife of almost fifty years. Keep us in your prayers.
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