Words to the wise

I love to connect with people. I enjoyed my two years of hosting a sports radio show. My greatest sense of accomplishment as a coach was motivating players to accomplish more than they imagined possible.

Each morning as I pull into my parking space at Landmark I look forward to good fellowship with my coaching colleagues (unless it’s Wayne Brantley going into one of his diatribes about Alabama football). I’ve developed a genuine anticipation for writing my column each week, hoping to make some small difference with my readers. Like I said, I love to connect with people.
So, I guess that means I put a lot of stock into words. So, if you will allow, thus sayeth Rock…

What are your favorite words? Better yet, what are your favorite things to hear as well as say?
We can tell so much about a person by observing their response to words. Just as true, we can tell even more about a person by measuring the words they choose to speak.

We’re told in the physical realm the eyes are the window to the soul. Maybe. We are told in the spiritual realm (Scripture), “Out of the issues of the heart a man speaks.” No doubt. What we say out loud reveals who we are inside.

So, let’s talk.

Words. There are words that can bring us great joy. This truth was heightened for me last weekend when as a dad I had the joy to officiate my son’s wedding. You can imagine the happiness it brought me to declare, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the great honor and privilege of being the first person to introduce to the world Mr. and Mrs. Teddy Knapp!”

Words. Here are some other words that bring me great joy…

• I’ll be right back with your iced tea sir, in the meantime feel free to go ahead and help yourself to the buffet.

• Undefeated and untied. (I just confused Tennessee fans)

• Free refills.

• Here’s the remote, dad.

• Iowa Hawkeyes

• Florida beaten. (This never gets old)

• Have you lost some weight?

• We’re getting money back this year.

• Merry Christmas.

• You have no new cavities.

• Dad, let’s go throw.

• The tests came back negative.

• Crosby, Stills, Nash AND Young
.
• You don’t look a day over 40.

• Our seats are right behind the bench.

• You were right. (Still waiting…)
• Cubs win, Cubs win!

• Let’s take the elevator.

• The cat got out and we can’t find him. (God is a good God)

• Terrell Owens suspended for the rest of the season.

• Mom made gumbo.

• Parkview loses in first-round.

• Here’s you change dad. (Again…still waiting)

• Good night daddy, I love you.

Words. There are some words that can cause us great pain. I remember getting a call from my dad during my first week of coaching pro football in the CFL. I couldn’t wait to tell my dad about my week. Instead, he began the conversation with, “Your mother has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer.”

Words. Here are some other words that bring me great pain…

• You’ll have to heat up leftovers.

• There is no more static guard.

• It’s the NBA on CBS.

• Let’s play full court.

• Daddy, I’m done. (Say it ain’t so)

• The Artist Formerly Known As Prince.

• The United Nations refused to sanction…

• Cowboys sign T.O.

• Tastes like real butter.

• Tonight on Lifetime. (Quick – the remote!)

• Can you drive the bus for the Middle School team? (I’d rather be run over buy the bus)

• Season’s Greetings. (which one?)

• Coach, we forgot the balls.

• Did you remember to deposit the check this morning?

• Dad, I need help with my math. (see your mother)

• Hosted by Ryan Seacrest. (I think Barry Manilow can take him)

• Sorry, we’re closed.

• Congratulations! You can join the AARP today by calling this number (yep, got it in the mail in November)

Words. They are the most powerful weapon for good and evil on earth. History is predicated on words not actions. Indeed, it has always been words that invoked action!

Anyway, what the heck does this have to do with high school sports in Fayette County? A lot. Mike Earwood is not the most influential coach your son will have. You are! Although Mike can have great influence, you have more. Champions in life are successfully coached at home.
Have you taken inventory of your words this past season? I promise your son or daughter have.

Which words sound most familiar?

• Great game tonight son!

• What were you thinking? I’m sick of being embarrassed.

• The highlight of my week is to watch you play sweetheart.

• You must be loafing in practice since you’re not starting.

• You never fail to make me proud.

• Everybody else got on base tonight but you.

• Man, you’re getting better each game!

• No reason for me to come if all you do is sit the bench.

• I’m so proud of your attitude; keep working it will pay off.

• I give up; you’ll never be a player.

• I believe in you, never give up.

• You alone lost the game.

• I’m your biggest fan!

So, how did you do? And, by the way…

• You’re great!

• You have great taste in sports columnists!

• Your words today will empower your son to greatness tomorrow!

• Hey, have you lost weight?