I’ve tried to avoid all the Tebow hoopla, but Rick Reilly’s ESPN article on Tebow can’t be ignored. Here’s the quote that stands out to me:
Here you are, about to play a game that the world says is the most important thing in the world. Win and they praise you. Lose and they crush you. And here I have a chance to talk to the coolest, most courageous people. It puts it all into perspective. The game doesn’t really matter. I mean, I’ll give 100 percent of my heart to win it, but in the end, the thing I most want to do is not win championships or make a lot of money, it’s to invest in people’s lives, to make a difference.
Say what you want about the polarizing influence of religion in America or how much Jesus is helping Tebow win (talk about oversimplification), the thing you can’t ignore is that it’s refreshing to see an athlete understand that sports is just that – sports.
A wonderful article to share. I wouldn’t say that “sports is just sports”. Those who play well, have been given a gift from God just like those who have been gifted with the ability to preach, or counsel, write, etc. Tebow may not be the best quarterback (an understatement); but football is the vehicle for greater things in life. He has used his abilities wisely and with grace. A wonderful example and mentor for all. HIs true talents will take him farther, long after his days on the field are taken up by someone else.
Good point, Deb, but I think you said it yourself in your comment…football is the vehicle for greater things. It’s amazing how infatuated we can become by grown men running around with a ball. Nobody would put that on the same level as education reform, poverty, or immigration, yet how much of port time and attention it occupies!