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Key Bible Verse: Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Bonus Reading:2 Cor. 4:13-18

My daughter's basketball team was playing a taller, more experienced team. Brooke's team was losing by 20 points—nothing seemed to be working. As the game continued, my frustration elevated. Why does the other coach run up the score? Why does he leave his starters in when our team is behind by such a margin? Why doesn't our coach play a different lineup? Brooke's team lost by 36 points. It was embarrassing and humiliating.

As I slithered out, I found Brooke in front of the gym, sitting with her teammates, smiling, chatting, drinking sodas and eating huge, fresh strawberries. Brooke's face was stained with juice. "Look, Dad, Coach gave us each a whole basket!" she said. She and her teammates talked about school, boys, the weekend, movies and the start of track season. They didn't even mention their disastrous loss. I was still licking the wounds of my parental ego, and she was happy with a basket of berries!

Sports are good for families—especially for dads who have a tough time losing, even if they aren't playing. I hope by the end of Brooke's season, I'll learn what she's learned about a balanced perspective.

—Tim Smith in Family Traditions

What can we learn from children about taking wins and losses in stride?

Failure is not fatal; victory is not success.

—Tony Richardson (Kansas City Chiefs running back)

Adapted from: onyourown.com (Cook, 1998)

For your convenience, Family Traditions is available in the ChristianityToday.com bookstore.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me to align my goals with Your purposes for me.

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