On Tuesday…

First World Problems. Nice buzzword. Recognition of perspective. The idea that my current situation is not quite as daunting or life changing as it may feel in the moment. I am certainly guilty of losing perspective in a variety of ways and circumstances. I would imagine most of us do. One place I know that I’ve struggled to see through the clear lens of reality is when watching my kids experience life, particularly sports. And boy howdy, I can say with complete confidence that I am not the only one.

And I don’t want to get into all the different ways that the idea of first world problems comes into focus for a lot of us on this earth. I would also say that having a distorted perspective when it comes to being a part of our kids lives, shows up in all kinds of places. But how out of focus can the view be for adults when it comes to youth sports? I know. Pretty fuzzy picture.

Here’s the perspective. Enjoy the reality that you have the opportunity as a parent to watch your son, daughter, grandchild, friend, put on a uniform of any kind and compete in a sport; on the field or not. The other reality is that some parents do not get or no longer have the opportunity. And I’m not trying to be overly dramatic, but I am trying to give a little jolt back to the First World. I struggle with this too.

Without all the history, you may not understand my perspective on this. It is not that I have experienced tragedy with kids. But have experienced a greater joy when I see things a little more in focus. Find a little way to hold yourself accountable if you live in the First World. Tough, but so worth it.