Acknowledging Others

 

“No one is self-sufficient, everyone relies on others.”  ~ John Donne

 

 

Seth Small played football for Katy High School, in Katy, Texas, and is now the place kicker for Texas A&M University.  In last Saturday’s game against Alabama, Small kicked a 28-yard field goal, with one second on the clock, to help the Aggies beat the #1 Crimson Tide. 

 

When interviewed after the game, Seth said this was the third best day in his life.  “The first was when I accepted Jesus in my heart as my true Lord and Savior heart.  And the second-best day was this summer when I married my wife.”  The interviewers then asked Small what it felt like to win the game for Texas A&M.  He was quick to say that football games are a team effort.  Small credited the Aggie fans as being the best in the nation.  The students stand and cheer for the entire time and stay for all of the game.  He reminded them that it wasn’t just him on the last play that won the game.   The defense made stops and held Alabama.  The offense moved the ball down the field.  He depended on Connor Choate to snap the ball, Niki Constantinou to catch the ball and hold it, and all the guys blocking on the line.  Once again Small said he was just a fraction of the play.

 

Seth Small was also quick to praise his fellow teammates.  When asked about quarterback Zach Calzada he expressed how he has seen him mature as a person and football player this season.  “He is a leader on the team and works hard to be quarterback.  Each week he gets better.”  Small also commented that Devon Achane’s 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown helped return the momentum of the game for the Aggies.

 

As the interview continued, Small also had accolades for the coaches.  He said the coaches, “did a phenomenal job of putting us in position to make plays.  It was up to the players to trust the process.”  Coach Fisher also told the team, “Don’t worry about the scoreboard.  Worry about your job on this play and the scoreboard will be there.”  In addition, Seth said Coach Fisher sees where the team is each week to get his instructions and message across to what they need to do.

 

During the game, Small said that he thought of and quoted Psalm 23:1. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”  He knew he needed to concentrate and deliver on his part and then he would be able to celebrate later.  And as the football cleared the uprights, Seth Small immediately pointed upward to give God the glory.

 

May we, too, be quick to appreciate, thank, and acknowledge those who help make a difference in our lives and in the world around us.

 

 

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12:10

 

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.

Romans 15:2