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A moment of peace and thought before a high energy sporting contest. Anticipation held momentarily before the excitement of the contest.
It is something common to almost all sporting events. It is done at the beginning of each of the games. I’m not talking about the pre-game warm up or a trip to the concession stands or even paying for your ticket at the ticket window. No …. I am talking about the playing of our national anthem.
The p.a. announcer comes on and says “ and now, would you please rise for the playing of our national anthem .“ Everybody gets quiet and stands up in respect for this sporting tradition. The song is then played either by a tape, or by the school band or a guest singer.
It is a wonderful tradition and certainly one that we all follow.
But what are you thinking about as the anthem plays ?
I started something a number of years back. And that is when that beautiful song is played ( and I mean that not only in the patriotic sense but it really is a pretty song ) I stop to think. I mean really think. I let the music sink in, in the background and I try and clear my mind of all current thoughts. I look at the flag and then almost stare thru it. |
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WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT???……. |
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Date: 11/05/08 |
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What do I think about ? Well it changes. But here are some of the things that tend to come to the forefront
…… I think about the fact That there really were people -- real actual people , not just figures we read about in history books that helped found this country. Folks that risked their lives and had the incredible foresight and bravery to come to America and help to create the many fruits upon which we now bear. Real people …. actually happened. I try and think back to that time and give thanks.
…… I think about the fact That there are, as I am standing right now in the bleachers or in the stands, american military personnel stationed overseas whose very lives are being risked, so that again we can enjoy a safe environment here in the states. I try to imagine what it must be like. Young kids…. Trying to be brave, trying to be strong , protecting … but still human and I am sure, at least at times, very scared. I try and think of their fear and I thank them for hanging in there.
…… . Another thought while the anthem is playing is just to think of those less fortunate. The many , many people who may be sick or in bad health. Young and old alike who have been stricken by a disease or disability. Because after all if you have your health-- it is absolutely true that all problems are a distance second . I also think of the many who may be poor and homeless and downtrodden. Not just in our country, but anywhere. People who are suffering , and that suffering certainly transcends country allegiance. We are all, human beings on this earth and if we have the attitude -- that we are all in it together we have a chance. And I think how can I help. Not just thinking about helping , but actually doing something , however small it might be, to make a difference.
…… And I think about how fortunate I am. To never take for granted the good things we are given. Good health, being of sound mind and body, and having the finances to enjoy some of life’s great things. But maybe even more importantly to enjoy and really soak up the simple pleasures of life.
……. To appreciate ( speaking of simple pleasures ) the sporting event I am about to see or to coach in. What a thrill it is to be part of athletic competition with all it’s emotion and spirit, and enthusiasm. Talented athletes performing in an atmosphere of intensity and great competitiveness. The crowd… the band… the players.. The coaches. The whole atmosphere is charged. And I stop to think how special that is and how lucky I am to be about to enjoy it all..
These are just a few of the things that might come to my thought process during Our National Anthem . Obviously not all of them each time. Simple thoughts. Clear thoughts . Deep thoughts.
But it helps to clear the mind. It helps to put things in perspective. It certainly helps to put the sporting contest I am about to coach in or watch, in proper perspective.
Suddenly winning or losing doesn’t become all that important. Life will go on in both victory and defeat. “ The Game Is The Thing “. The competition and the spirit of play are what we enjoy most and what makes sports so great.
Thinking about some of those things during the national anthem might help.
So go ahead and stand up. Go ahead and take your cap off. Go ahead and sing the anthem out loud. But as far as I am concerned you could also sit down , with your cap on , and not sing-- but instead just listen to the music and look at the flag and really think-- -- how lucky I am, how others are risking their lives in battle at this moment and what I can actually do to help others less fortunate-- and that would be really being patriotic.
Francis Scott Key would be proud
When the anthem is over, get loud, get rowdy and cheer on your favorite team ! But now you’ve got it all in perspective!
You can reach him at Morningbreak1240@aol.com
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