I Want James Harrison on My Team

This is James Harrison.

He was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2008.

He does pushups with a 300-pound man on his back. Lots of them.

I want him on my team.

Which team?

Whichever one needs linebackers who can do pushups with a 300-pound man lying on his back.

James has a few tattoos. One says, “PEACE” and has a cross next to it. Others are very sentimental – one for his grandmother, his sons, his mom and dad. He also has one that says “Colossians 1:16.” Here is what Colossians 1:16 says, in case you’re wondering.

“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”

I am NOT a tattoo dude. Not my thing. But I want James Harrison on my team.

Which team?

Whichever one is unashamed to engrave the names of family and symbols of truth and life for anybody to see.

These are two trophies that James Harrison’s sons received for participation in a fine athletic program in Pittsburgh run by a former Steeler.

Dad will be sending them back.

Here’s why, in his words:

I came home to find out that my boys received two trophies for nothing, participation trophies! While I am very proud of my boys for everything they do and will encourage them till the day I die, these trophies will be given back until they EARN a real trophy. I’m sorry I’m not sorry for believing that everything in life should be earned and I’m not about to raise two boys to be men by making them believe that they are entitled to something just because they tried their best…cause sometimes your best is not enough, and that should drive you to want to do better…not cry and whine until somebody gives you something to shut u up and keep you happy.

I want James Harrison on my team.

Which team?

Whichever one is proud and encouraging of our children, regardless of whether they win or lose… but refuses to use “self-esteem” to water down the idea of achievement, excellence, or performance.

Whichever one recognizes that losing doesn’t make us losers as people, but it’s still losing and it has its place.

Whichever one drills into the minds of children that they can accomplish anything, but aren’t entitled to it just because someone else earns it or gets it first.

Whichever one insists on raising children to be adults.

Tagged as: Achievement, Parenting, Performance