When I was three years old, I was feeding my grandfather's bird dogs. He had them in a pen. The dog food was in a tin can. Giving an indication of my inherent clumsiness and future lack of athleticism, I tripped in a hole that the dogs had dug in their pen. The result was that I cut my lip on the can of dog food. It was a vertical cut, about an inch long. Pretty gruesome for a little guy. And, it is still a pretty good scar.
Over the years I've come to really like that scar. I like to tell people I was a pirate before becoming a football coach... which is great because Emma loves pirates. I was once told by a doctor that a plastic surgeon could fix my scar. I said, "No Way!" I like the uniqueness of it. The scar is also a reminder that something bad can happen, but everything will be fine.
The scar has become especially significant for 2020. It is a reminder to bite my lip. Sure, I can still say what I want to say. But, I need to say it in the right way and in the best way. And, sometimes, it really is best not to say anything at all.
Believe it or not, we are going to get through this. When we do, I hope I have made my kids proud in how I responded to the challenges of 2020. I hope that the words I've spoken and the things I've done have brought glory to God and helped others.
As we go into the week, it is ok to bite your lip. Some times, it might even be the best thing. Have a great week!
