Clever...

Kids, Jesus. Jesus, the kids. Y'all go play.

What is the proper way to go about instilling Christ in kids? Just from observation, it would seem that the calling of parents is to mold their kids into something- some understanding that guardians or parents or some other authorities suppose is the image of Christ. I guess this is consistent with the whole "train them up in the way they should go" ideology and all that. But what if we're wrong? Or what if this model we have created them is not compatible with what Christ intended even if it is consistent with presumed rules and standards? Or what if it restricts them from a more effective pursuit or path of service simply because of the culture or spin in which this model was created?

Are we the interpreter in the equation? Do we intercede in every detail of every conversation?

Are we the moderator? Do we keep them on track just in case the conversation between our kids and Jesus gets off what we perceive to be the appropriate track?

Are we the matchmaker? Do we introduce them to each other, point out the attributes of the one to the other and them let them get to know each other, being available support but offering no edicts?

Just asking...

Spurs

To me, it seems like it is only right and expected to support the home team. I am not trying to apply this to whether or not one should support the USA or anything. It’s just too popular to hate America both within and outside our borders. Rather, I am talking about supporting those from your own state… and since there is no State of Perpetual Confusion, I’ll have to stand up and defend sports teams from the State of Texas.

Specifically, I’m speaking of the Spurs.

It is not popular to support the Spurs this year. Even though they are in the finals this year. Even though they stay on the sports page instead of the police blotter. Even though they are known for serious team play at both ends of the court. Even though their tattoo per player ratio is rather low. Even though they are from the great State of Texas. Even though they just aren’t very flashy.

The fact is, everything that most coaches ask for- from even the earliest levels of athletics- is on display when the Spurs play. They involve the whole team. Players off the bench are an integral part of the game plan. There is not one person who is the obvious choice on a last shot. There is not a single player who is a fixture of their offense and in turn, there is not one person on whom the other team’s defense may focus.

The Spurs do not make news for inappropriate behavior off the court. They do not draw attention to themselves in cocky ways. They shun publicity for publicity’s sake. They sport less skin art as a team than many single players on other team do.

In short, they behave professionally and focus on the job they have to do rather than the circus surrounding that job.

And people hate them because they are boring.

The fact is, they have not become boring through a change in their behavior. Rather, they appear boring because over the years the rest of the NBA has become a ridiculous caricature of bizarre behavior.
It has been said that much of the appeal of NASCAR is tied to the fact that the major figures in that sport are people similar to us or someone we know. I don’t know if I completely agree with that, but maybe I do as it relates to the Spurs. Truth be told, I am a pretty boring guy who would love to be known as the kind of guy who just takes care of business and works in a way as to bring out the best in others. Admittedly, I have a LONG way to go. The Spurs, however, appear to be as close as any professional team I know. As I write this, they are on their way to winning yet another championship because of it. People may be bored by that or choose not to watch them do it, but if they at least understand how they do it, it is a lesson well-learned.