A friend of my oldest son came to visit this morning.
Lately, I noticed his collectible cards have changed from Yugioh to Eagles Football cards. He carries about one hundred cards with him at all times – pockets filled – and takes them out to count them and review the stats for each player.
Today, he was wearing a Terrel Owens jersey. I asked him about his jersey and he explained,
“Terrell Owens is a jerk. But, it’s the only Eagles jersey I have, and I wanted to wear an Eagles shirt today – so I was stuck wearing this one.”
“Oh really? Two years ago, he was your favorite player – do you remember that?”
“Yeah – but he’s not on our team any more.”
“No, he’s not – and do you know why?”
He said he wasn’t exactly sure.
“The biggest reason was his anger. He screamed at his team mates and Coach Reid. He fought with them over many things, including his contract. He was suspended from playing and when he came back to play, he still had a bad attitude so he lost his job with the Eagles – even though he was a talented football player.”
Little buddy’s eyes got really big.
“It’s good to remember – no matter how talented we are, that if we do not control our anger, people will not want us on their team. ”
He nodded, knowing exactly what I was talking about and how it would apply to his life.
“Adults who do not control their temper often end up in jail,” I said. “But, if we learn the habit of kindness and do not hurt others out of anger when we are young, we will grow up into adults who know how to get along with others. So, we must learn this lesson as children. That’s why moms and dads care so much and correct us when we lose our temper as kids.”
“Ooooohhh…..” he said. “Got it.”
“Great – go play.”
Train up a child in the way he should go,
Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
That’s when you need to mention Reggie White, and make sure they understand you don’t need to be mean to play professional sports… even football.