He watched them play from his window each day. The sound of their striving left him yearning. He wanted to be out there with them. He wanted to show them what it took to cross over the threshold.
The one they called Jason faked his defender left and drove to the basket with authority. Pete admired the ferocity and smiled as Jason rose up for a thunderous dunk. The crowds watching began cheering and his teammates smothered Jason. It was quite the way to end the pickup game.
The fellas stuck around a bit more shooting the breeze and talking about the Tigers game last night. They were looking forward to their shot at playing for LSU. Most of them had a decent shot, and everyone knew Jason did.
He had the gift, and it would be a shame for him to squander it.
The conversations soon died down, and Jason was left sitting there alone as he finished up a few texts. He didn't notice the gentleman approaching him. Pete walked up slowly and cleared his throat as he came within earshot of Jason.
"Hello there Jason."
"Hi. Do I know you?"
"Not by acquaintance Jason. You play well. I watch you and your buddies play from my house across the street."
"Thank you sir. I am working hard to earn a scholarship to LSU. I wait till the guys leave so I can practice on my game."
"Yes, I noticed. Mind if I work with you Jason?"
Jason paused and looked Pete over for a second. "Uh, actually, I think I am good. You're welcome to shoot around I have an extra ball along."
Pete's heart sank a little. He wanted to shoot, but he desired to teach and mentor more than that. He looked down for a second before raising his eyes to meet Jason's and responded, "that's ok, maybe next time."
Jason nodded his head and watched Pete walk away. He didn't know why, but somehow the thought came to him that he had missed an opportunity. He shook it off and picked up his ball to begin his drills.
What Jason did not realize is Pete played at LSU and was their leading scorer all 4 years of his career.
Pete played some pro ball as well and became a great player, just never a household name. That was nearly 30 years ago now, and most of the folks that knew him around town had moved on or passed away. Pete was left with a knowledge of the game and a personality that was shy around people. Jason was to be his protege. It just wouldn't be today.
There are many veterans of life out there waiting to share their life with us. They may not look like the person we want to listen to. They may not look like much at all. The test comes for our humility. There is always an answer to our questions. There is always someone willing to share. The question is, are we willing to listen?
Thank you for posting @lydon.sipe. Lovely...well written story regarding humility. You probably know the story of the winning-est basketball Coach John Wooden...if not he is worth looking into along with his Pyramid of Success.
Principle....Humility is the highest human virtue.
There is one yet higher that only the believerin Jesus Christ can acheive through the intake of the doctrines of the word of God and that is unconditional/impersonal love for the human race.
Thank you for your encouragement @bleujay.
I have indeed heard of the great John Wooden. His principles and subsequent fruit are legendary.
Thank you for not being ashamed to ask me about my faith as well. I am a believer and my wife is as well. We are both generational believers. The Lord has been and continues to be so good to us and our families. God bless you.
Thank you for your reply @lydon.sipe.
So glad to hear that you are familiar with Coach Wooden and the good news of your family's faith in Christ.
And you had been kind enough to reply to bleujays comment when you wrote the poem...This Side of Heaven....that you were a believer when bleujay had left the gospel message in your comment section thinking you were asking a query. After all the unbeliever can only understand the gospel the rest is foolishness to him...
Thank you for your good wishes.
Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year.
You are most welcome.
May you have a blessed and prosperous new year as well. I look forward to following your blog. I love your principle of the day posts.
Thank you for your reply @lydon.sipe.
How very kind of you to 'follow'...so glad to hear you have capacity for the principles. Have enjoyed several of your articles especially the series visiting the reproduction of Noah's Ark and am 'following' now as well.
Greetings to your family.