Life is Full of Lessons to Learn

Last Saturday, Ellie, our seven-year-old granddaughter, watched me as I started crocheting a set of potholders. Seeing how intensely she was watching me, I asked her if she wanted to learn how to crochet. With a big smile, she enthusiastically shook her head yes. So, I told her to go get a skein of yarn and a crochet hook. Off she went at full tilt. Returning, she handed me yarn and hook. Just like that, she started learning how to crochet.

Later on that evening, children learning how to crochet, plant a garden, ways to preserve food, grow crops, raise livestock and all of life’s basic skills came to mind. Out of all those lessons came teachers, doctors, minsters, lawyers, farmers, ranchers, merchants, journalists, all the people it takes to form and run a country.

So the next time a youngster asks about learning how to do or make something, or expresses an interest in history or careers, take the time to answer their questions or show them the steps it requires to accomplish what they wish to

It’s again time for school sports. There are so many things to be learned from being on a team other than how to play the game.

It’s often been said there is no “I” in team. That is so important to remember. Much too often someone on the team, who is an exceptionally good player, does not let other team members have a chance to show what they can do. In games such as volleyball, there is a player who, given the chance, can frequently serve the ball in such a way as to score each time. When it comes to basketball, a player, who believes in their own mind they are the star of the team, is truly a star when they help other team members improve their game and skills.

Team members need to keep in the forefront of their minds that the game is not only meant for young folks to learn about the game but to also learn about working together to accomplish a goal. Yes, it’s great to win, but not winning a game isn’t the end of the world nor is one person responsible for either the win or loss.

I’ve witnessed times when a player totally disregards the coach’s orders and plays the game the way they think it should be played. Well, that coach, in having played the sport themselves and having years of classes and training, isn’t ignorant of what it takes to win. Coaches do make mistakes at times. When they become aware of wrong decision they work at finding how to correct that decision.

And coaches really aren’t out to make a player’s life miserable with their list of rules and regulations. They are trying to help the players be the best they can possibly be. There is no way a player can be at the top of their game if they stay up until midnight or later night after night texting, talking on the phone, watching television or movies, out cruising the streets, or on a date.

Whether it’s becoming accomplished in a new skill or playing a sport there are lessons to be learned that will last a lifetime.