Gary Varvel: Hoosier Hysteria - a personal story

The secret to our success

PERFECT SEASON

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS of the Avon, Indiana 5th grade Youth Basketball league with a record of 10-0. But this is not a story about a game. It’s a story about life.

Last year, my son, Brett asked me to assist him in coaching his son Damon’s (no. 3) basketball team. At our first practice, Coach Brett told the boys that our game would be centered around defense. Our team name, Miami Hurricanes, was perfect because the boys played defense like a hurricane. We pressed all over the floor which resulted in lots of steals and twice as many shots as our opponents.

Although Brett and I taught the fundamentals and playing the game the right way, our focus was on enjoying the game and each other as a team.

In the championship game we played against the team that we beat the first game of the season 33-10. Their team improved a lot after that first meeting and when we faced them again, we won by only 2 points.

HOOSIER HYSTERIA

The gym was packed for the final game and the atmosphere was electric. In Indiana we call it, “Hoosier Hysteria.”

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But that hysteria soon turned into “March Madness” when the opposing coach got a technical for complaining about the officiating. Our team was behind 13-10 at the time.

The fans got rowdy and one grown man was ejected from the building for yelling “Bull….” over and over and taunting our 10-year-old free throw shooter. Then the league director chastised the crowd by reminding them that this was a 5th grade game. Fortunately, both teams on the court kept their composure. It’s a sad testimony when children act more mature than adults. Contrary to popular belief, athletic competition doesn’t build character, it reveals your character.

In the end, our team fought from behind to take a 4-point lead with less than a minute to go. Our opponents answered with a bucket but our defense sealed the win by stealing the ball as time expired. Final: 23-21.

At our post season pizza party celebration immediately after the game, we handed out awards to the players which were caricatures I drew of each player.

My grandson won “Defensive Player of the Year.” In case you’re wondering, yes, I designed the logo on the coach’s shirts.

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF

Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Dads, it’s your responsibility to first, teach your children about God. And that is done by living life together. Thirty years ago, I coached Brett’s basketball and baseball teams. Sports was one of the activities that bonded us together as father and son. Lots of life lessons can be taught from the ups and downs of team sports. That’s why I love seeing Brett experience the same thing with his son. Ultimately, it’s not about winning or losing a game — it’s about loving and living life together on a quest as we follow Jesus Christ.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Notice that it says, “In the way he should go.” Every child has different interests. Whether it’s hunting or fishing or scouting or engineering or art or sports, fathers should study their sons and encourage them in their interests. “Encourage” means to give them the courage to try new things. Teach them to not be afraid of failure because failure is part of the learning process. And then praise their progress.

Children need to hear 3 things from their fathers:

1. I love you.

2. I’m thankful to be your dad.

3. You’re good at ______________ (fill in the blank).

My daughter and two sons were good at sports and the arts. So that is what our family did together and those experiences became the glue that stuck us together, especially when things went wrong. Solving problems together became great stories which are now sweet memories of our life together.

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” - Romans 8:18

Christ-followers are promised eternal life. This eternal perspective of life reminds us that although we may suffer in this life, God’s kingdom will be worth it.

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Contact me for a unique experience of visual and verbal humor. Email: gary@garyvarvel.com

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A new HUMOR ME cartoon tomorrow

DEVOTIONAL SERIES ON CONTENTMENT

Part 1 - The secret to being content in every circumstance of life

Part 2 - The Biblical keys to braving the roller coaster of life

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