Are you the parent of a child who plays sports?

If so, perhaps you’ve felt how disorienting that world can be.

When my oldest started competing eight years ago, I was confident I’d handle myself with the kind of wisdom, maturity, and composure lacking from many sports parents.

The reality?

It’s wild out there!

And if you’re not careful, you can get swept up in the drama, delusions, and discord that often come with youth sports—especially travel teams.

But you know what else we’ve learned?

There’s a lot of good out there, too.

We’ve built some fantastic relationships through sports, and my kids have learned invaluable lessons along the way.

So where does that leave me?

Wanting to lead my family well—embracing the good and avoiding the not-so-good. And that starts with leading myself well.

To that end, I recently wrote a short “Liturgy for Youth Sports” that I read before each game. It’s not magic, but it helps anchor me to my “why” when it comes to sports. I’m sharing it in hopes it might inspire you to create your own—for youth sports or any area of life you want to approach with more intention. 

If you do (or already have), I’d love to read it!

Lord,

Thank you for the opportunity to watch Grady compete today. It’s a gift—and one we don’t take for granted.

As we enter the arena—where “winners” will be exalted and “losers” will be cast aside—help me see these games as you see them. Not as a chance to exert our power, but as an opportunity to display your Kingdom.

There’s gold to be found here: in relationships formed, gifts developed, and character grown. But to find that treasure, I’ll need to look with the right set of eyes.

So, Lord, help me see with those eyes. Give me the courage to make this about Grady’s development, not my glory. May I cheer him on with the heart of a father who loves unconditionally—and knows we’ve already won.

Amen.

Carry on fellow travelers, we’ll talk soon.