Around the Horn – 1/1/16

At first, let’s kick it off with a few reviews of 2015. It seems like it was only yesterday but Dave Barry will help you remember in his usual way. You can also check out Thomas Sowell who says 2015 was the year of the big lie, or George Will who points out just how ludicrous some things were. For better or worse, 2015 will not come again so enjoy the fleeting the memories.

At second, Mark Minnick mines John Newton for some helpful pastoral counsel (part 1 and part 2). The times have certainly changed since Newton was alive and writing, but these old perspectives have a certain amount of freedom from modernity that is helpful to those who us swimming in it.

At third is an article about parents and coaches. It highlights a serious problem for prep coaches and officials—namely, parents. I have coached high school sports more than fifteen years ago and we have been pretty successful winning four state championships in that time (more than any other school of our size in Michigan). As an assistant, I don’t have to deal with parents much, and our parents are good parents for the most part. But let’s face it: parents are ruining sports for their kids, for other kids, and for coaches and officials. There are lots of other problems in KidsSports these days, and I hope to write on that more this year. But parents would do well to back off—back off their kids, their coaches, and the officials. Listen Dad: the chances of your kid getting a scholarship to play sports in college are slim to none. If that’s your plan to finance your kids’ education, find another one. And let them enjoy sports. Don’t ruin it for your kid and everyone else because of your misguided dreams.

Last, for those looking for a Bible reading plan for 2016, Ligonier compiles a number of different plans including downloadable PDFs you can tuck in your Bible. Pick one and get started early. If you fall behind, don’t worry about it. Just pick up where you left off, or start where you are supposed to be. If you miss a day, or a week, or a month, it’s okay. Just start again.