Thoughtful Actions

 

Needing only eight points to pass Kelsey Plum as all-time leading scorer in NCAA women’s basketball, it was pretty evident that Caitlin Clark would break the record in the Iowa Hawkeyes game against the Michigan Wolverines on February 15, 2024.  Much to the delight of the fans in the sold-out arena, Caitlin accomplished the feat in the first few minutes of the game with a layup, basket from the 3-point line, and the record breaking shot from the Iowa logo.  Clark scored so quickly that Iowa coach Lisa Bluder didn’t even have time to call a celebratory timeout before her team was at the other end of the court on defense.  Caitlin also broke the record for the most points scored in an Iowa women’s game with 49 points.  In anticipation of the scoring record, the Iowa Athletic department had interviewed and videoed Caitlin’s mom, dad, two brothers, coaches, teammates, and other significant people in her life to be shown at the end of the game.  T-shirts with “22” and “You break it, you own it” were given to the coaches and players, streamers came floating down, the video was shown, and a special basketball commemorating the event was presented to Clark.  After the game, there was another very thoughtful gesture.  Coach Lisa Bluder shared, “Michigan came in here in a tough scenario.  They’re playing in a tough situation.  I thought they played a great game.  They gave Caitlin a gift after the game and every one of those players wrote her a note.  I am so glad we have people in the Big Ten that understand the importance of this and the importance for women’s basketball.  I just think Michigan, that was a really classy way for them to handle this.  I appreciate Kim Barnes Arico for what she did.”

An older lady in Celeste, Texas, recently called the high school to share a story about 5 of their students.  She had gone to dinner at IHOP.  The young men saw her sitting alone and asked her if she would like to join them at their bigger table.  After an enjoyable dinner and conversation, the boys paid for her meal.  The lady at the school expressed, “She was impressed by our young men and that her heart was touched by their kindness and manners.  She asked me if I would allow her to come up to the school so that she could bring the 5 young men a Valentine’s balloon.”  The school representative continued, “Any school should be proud when their young men and women go out into the world and make a positive impact.”  Koby Brown, Aiden Eudy, Tanner Minter, Toby Minter, and former graduate Brendan Carter are to be commended for their thoughtful deed.

 

May we also look for ways to express thoughtful actions that encourage, motivate, thank, and make the world a better place for others.

 

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Hebrews 13:16