Happy Sunday Everyone:
I love my boys. Anyone reading this likely loves their kids (I hope so). I also know very few events in life that go toward someone’s growth, come easy. It’s a weird balance and something we always need to remember as a parent, kids grow through experiencing challenges and coming out the other side stronger, more developed. Note to self-I do too! Note to you, you do too!
Thomas has been in San Diego for football since June. You root for Thomas, as an offensive lineman he’s smaller/shorter than the other guys. Him playing college football is a dream he didn’t think he’d experience. I have some moles inside the program (older player on the team’s parents). Thomas is at practice, they moved him to the center position one day, and he’s snapping the ball to the QB. Coach is about to kick him off the field for 3 back-to-back bad snaps. Coach yells at Thomas “JesXX H Chr#@ Marckwardt, have you ever snapped a ball in your life”….Thomas looks at him and says, “no Coach, I haven’t, this is the first time”, coach can’t help but to smile. Thomas stayed on the field. I talked to him a few days after this and he’s telling me about the whole thing. My head goes low and dark, and I say, “do you think you’re going to get cut”. He fires back with “God no, it’s just hard, but it’s getting better each day”. He said it’s the hardest he’s ever worked in his life, and he’s never felt better. You really do have to think about that statement, hardest he’s worked, best he’s felt. He’s not some 50-year-old writing Sunday thoughts, he’s just experiencing life, and taking me along for the ride.
I love learning through our kids. I love the reminders they provide us. It reminds me to reflect on my own life and when I’ve grown the most, usually after a storm, never when life is easy. It allows me to change my perspective when it’s a grind out there. I don’t mean to sound like a motivational poster, but the grind is good. Makes me change my headspace from “this is hard” to “this is good”. I think of my Realtor partners whose business model is being changed/challenged starting next week. Yes, it’s going to be hard, but in the end, it will be good for those who are committed to their value. It will make you better at your craft than you’ve ever been.
Being challenged is a good thing.