They asked me to play earlier today but I was too tired so I took a nap.  OK, yeah, I really was tired, but the truth is I just didn’t feel like it.  Being tired was just an excuse.  It sounded better than I don’t want to.

When you’re a good hearted little boy and your dad says he’s too tired, it feels sad, but its hard to argue with him.  Instead you just wilt a little bit inside and try to figure out how to go on with your life.  If that happens too many times, some kids just stop asking.  The flower inside them dies and its a ton of work to try to grow a new one later on.  Most of the time it never happens.

Anyway, after dinner I felt guilty about not going out earlier.  I believe the word I heard in my head was slacker.  Yeah, I was and I knew it so I ventured outside to the driveway.  The first thing out of the kids mouths was DAD! ARE YOU GONNA PLAY BASKETBALL WITH US!?! Like the domestic superstar I am, I mumbled Well, we can shoot some hoops… not sure about a real game. What a schmuck.  (can I say that here?)  Oh well, its true, I really hadn’t turned my heart yet.  I was still being lazy.

Awww, c’mon Dad… pleeeease can we play a game?

Ok, that did it.  The pressure was really on and the path of least resistance had switched from no to yes.  I was already out there.  They were already out there.  What-da-ya-know the basketball and hoop were already out there.  It was either give in and actually play a game or keep saying no, no, no and face the visible wilting in the eyes and smiles.  I couldn’t do it.  I gave in and said Ok let’s play a real game!

From then on… it was awesome.  I got sweaty.  I love getting sweaty.  I taught them how to pass a ball the right way.  I love teaching them stuff.  I stole the ball and blocked a few shots.  (I let a few shots get through – that was more fun).  We had a blast and they spent the rest of the evening telling their mom about it.

I’m such an idiot sometimes.  Why did I waste all that time?  I LOVE playing basketball.  I’ve always loved it.  Ugh.

We’ll no big speeches or sermons here.  Maybe I’ll say “Yes!” earlier next time.