By Harold Keller

Spring has sprung and one of the most refreshing seasons of the year is here.  It’s an exciting time!  Graduation is near, children are off on field trips, family picnics and trips to the zoo are on the agenda, vacations are planned, and different Little League baseball programs throughout the area are being organized.  

To the people who give of their time to coach and work in these different programs, I say thanks.

As we start a new season, I’m     reminded of when I coached Little League and my son was a participant.   We sold beer at our children’s games and some still do.  It wasn’t uncommon to see a coach smoke while coaching third base.  The fans were awful.  Many fathers who couldn’t walk and chew gum at the same time when they participated (I’m old enough to remember most of them) expect their offsprings to be superstars.

Try to remember that our children just want to have fun.  Instead of encouraging them to be like us, let’s try to act like them.  As a point of information, the Bible says that in order to enter the Kingdom of God, we have to become like little children.

As a coach many years ago, I often reflect on the bad example I set for the many children that I influenced.  How sad.

Allow me to appeal to all parents to attend their children’s games and to give them positive encouragement.  Keep in mind that the league is for the children and they should be treated as God’s special gifts.  

Let’s make a commitment this year to allow the children to play and have fun and to support the coaches who are freely giving of their time. Sportsmanship should not be an option.  It’s a must if we are to have a successful program.

Our children are looking for positive role models.  Let’s set an example they can carry throughout 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, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.