Last night, after another unbelievable dinner prepared by my Miss, I found myself finishing my second glass of wine while engaged in a deep, meaningful conversation with our son, Taylor. We weren’t talking about the moral code but it was close. We’re talking soccer…
I told Tay what a gifted scorer he is. He has an “intuitive” sense, I reminded him, that as I watch him play he just seems to know where to be, when to be there, and what to do once he’s played the ball. I asked him if he knew how gifted and talented he is. He’s not been built this season by those we call his “Coach,” and I thought he might need a reminder of sorts.
Our conversation continued as he put his foot on a ball and showed me how he positions his body to receive the ball with his shoulders opened up and ready to strike. He sees the field, out of his peripheral vision anticipates where the opponent is headed, makes eye contact with his teammate, and reads their body to anticipate where they are playing it. He told me that it’s one or two steps that make all the difference. I had no idea. I had no idea how much he knew.
He told me he had learned this from that tough coach he had last season. Tough, he was. This guy was demanding and Taylor didn’t like him at first, or second. He was an acquired taste. As Taylor began to apply what he was learning, however, he began to believe. His play turned up. It was really fun to hear his perspective and how much he now appreciates being built. I said very little as he couldn’t sit still when demonstrating his moves. I loved hearing his passion and his learning.
Yesterday, with a cool team of twenty, we practiced 7 good minutes. Ten pairs of teammates lost track of time, lost track of their to do’s, and let God put a smile on their face. They got “lit” in the absolute best way. They gave and received the gift of understanding. They experienced some flow and learned how to find some more. They learned that a good book, a deep conversation, and meaningful work can be optimal, high performance, flow filling experiences that get your brain all jacked up. Freakin’ MAGIC.
Fully primed from another kick ass practice, I went home and integrated a little work and life. Last night I gave Tay 7 good minutes and 7 more. Time stood still. I lost myself in understanding my son. He felt understood and I felt great.
This morning I feel even more.
God, thank you that the very best of us is found when we lose ourselves in the ones we love.
God, thank you for the gift of time and the gift of Tay. I feel your presence when I see his smile. Funny, huh…
BUILT TO LEAD 