This past week, I began introducing the new kids to off balancing techniques for their upcoming throws, and it was rather interesting to watch how some of the kids are "wolves in sheep's clothing."

While doing other, more individual activities, they focus and appear to do the technique with 100% effort. However, when paired up with someone in class in order to do the "tiger's tail" or "eagle's claw," they become something entirely different. A competitiveness exudes from the kids. It's terrific, but needs to be focused in the right manner.

I certainly appreciate the "wanting" to compete and win, but I've had to remind kids of a simple phrase, which tends to keep them on track - "Compassion is more important than Competition."

Almost every one of our games (we have between 6-8 total) encourage the kids to compete, but rather than throw their hands up in victory and scream with boastfulness, "I win" as their partner falls down or out of the ring, we want them to do something entirely different. When someone does "win," I tell them they can show Christ-like character by ensuring the other person is ok, and helping them up if they've fallen.

Don't get me wrong, competitiveness is terrific and has it's place. I competed for a number of years and hated the idea of losing, but I don't believe it should ever take the place of ensuring another person's safety and security....

Yours in Christ,

Chabutee