In today’s world, balancing academics and athletics is a problem for many schools. The reason being, most parents, especially fathers, place more emphasis on athletics than academics. As a father and grandfather, I’ve been guilty. A

few years ago, Coach Frank Monica, of St. Charles Catholic High School, shared with me something I’ve never forgotten. He said, “If parents only realized there are more

valuable scholarships to be awarded for academic achievements than

athletics. The problem,” he continued, “is that most dads take more pride in their child’s athletic ability than their academics.”

Being at the height of the basketball season, I remember hearing a story about Charles Swindoll, who I believe is one of the best Christian authors and motivational speakers.

Growing up in a small town in Texas, he loved basketball. His Dad rigged up a crude goal on the door of his garage and Charles played with an old, worn out basketball. His dream was to one day play in the NBA. That Christmas, he told his mother that all he wanted was a new basketball. A week before Christmas, he saw

a present under the tree with

his name on it. It was a box that would be a perfect fit for a new basketball. He couldn’t wait for Christmas morning so that he could open his gift, knowing without a doubt that his mother had honored his wish.

Much to his surprise and disappointment, it wasn’t a basketball, but a world globe. His mother explained, “Charles, basketball is okay, but God has much more in store for you and I want you to look at all the places that you may be asked to travel.”

Today, I wonder what would have happened to Charles if his mother, in her wisdom, had not realized that balance and a godly vision were needed to lead a successful, productive life.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, of e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.