A Knight’s Tale

As the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter the young men who had battled for the last two hours suddenly become very complimentary to each other. They begin to show love and respect to the group wearing different color uniforms and who just a few moments ago were colliding into one another repeatedly. They had hinted at this respect throughout the game by helping one another up off the ground and pats on the back. Although in different areas of the state, they have a common bond that goes back to the long hot summer on the field conditioning and the smelly weight rooms. The season is over and the sport for some has come to an end. Some will go on to do great things that many will recognize and some will go on to serve in capacities that may not ever be known. The seeds of determination have been planted and have borne fruit on this day. As coaches, we hope these seeds become a foundation of future fathers and employees who will make the world a better place for future generations. As a Christian, I hope that regardless of outcome on the field these young men are citizens of the only Kingdom that cannot be shaken. On this day, the outcome is a win and a nice trophy but I’ve coached long enough to be on the losing end. The expectation on both days is that one day we will lay our trophies and our armor down. Our journey will be over and the athletic records won’t matter. The wrongs will be made right. My prayer is that all of my knights will be there with a greater glory than can ever be known in this world. At the end of a hard-played football game with great sportsmanship, both sides come together for the prayer and the different uniform colors don’t matter, it’s a small taste of Heaven.

I’m grateful today for the men I’ve met in the huddle or on the sideline who have spent their days instilling in me or the young men around me the determination to carry on. Take 15 minutes today to thank those who have given you the gift of determination.

Travis