Practice

The Sunday Preach

Practice

For those of you who may have children who play sports, you may relate to this next brief piece. While the topic pertains to many, in this instance, this is about me and one of my kids... and their favorite sport.

Passion drives the desire for perfection, therefore practice is the fuel that drives the desire....

It started early, I could see the passion for the game in his eyes. The intensity in the commitment to better himself and be the best he could be. Reading books, watching other teams games, listening to his coach and other coaches, attending camps, team building with his teammates on the sidelines. It was never me (dad) fueling the passion, but he who wanted more and more and more...

Just keep getting him 'touches on the ball' a trusted friend and coach once said. Practice is the fuel that drives the skills home.

From 'in-house' recreational leagues to a travel program within the club, add now a regional team and games out of state... it continues. More and more "touches on the ball"

Practices 3 and 4 nights a week, 156K miles on a minivan that hasn't been further than 3 states away in any direction. The skills continue to sharpen, but so does the competition, for they too share the same passion.

Oh, did I mention he's 10.

We routinely work in a life altering, rapidly deteriorating, IDLH environment. As we know, IDLH = "likely to cause death or permanent adverse health effects...."

And yet, some fire departments are still satisfied with a monthly 2 hour 'drill night'. And yet, some firefighters would rather sit and watch 'Springer' and 'Oprah' than pull out a tool, read an article or train with the new member.

In the end, it's all about the individual.

HOW MANY TOUCHES DO YOU HAVE ON THE BALL?

It's about the passion, and WE.. those who have the passion for the fire service need to inspire all those around us. This fire service is full of naysayers, underminers and destroyers... get past it. Not everyone is going to understand the need for more realistic, repetitive and individual and team PRACTICE.

If they are on your team, FIND A WAY TO INSPIRE THEM. For it is not for you, but the TEAM that in the end must win

Fire is a formidable foe, not to be taken lightly or for granted.

In the end, this "Sunday Preach" isn't about some 10 year old kid, but about PASSION, INSPIRATION and a real look at your individual and team "TOUCHES ON THE BALL."

Check out more discussions:  http://https://www.facebook.com/pages/25-to-Survive-Reducing-Reside...