Do Wrong, Get The Rod

March 18, 2023

From today’s reading…

I shall be a father to him and he a son to me; if he does wrong, I shall punish him with a rod such as men use, with blows such as mankind gives.” 2 Samuel 7:14

When a new guy comes to try out Jiu-Jitsu, I used to think we should be nice and gentle with them.

Let them attack and maybe even get lucky and tap someone, so they have a good experience.

But I was wrong. (And they sure didn’t do that with me!)

When you train in any sport, you should pay for your mistakes.

When I coached basketball, I had kids run laps when they missed a free throw.

Ditto for my daughter’s volleyball team when they missed a serve.

You must train under pressure so you can perform under the pressure of the game, and there should be consequences for your miscues.

Ditto in Jiu-Jitsu.

New guys need to experience how easy it is to be dominated and even destroyed by a smaller opponent so they respect the sport and do not get a false sense of security or bravado.

This embarrasses most, who never return, but it lights an eternal fire in a select few, which is required if you’re going to stick it out in this crazy sport.

The same is true in life.

Loving parents correct their children, not because it brings them joy but because it makes the child wiser, sharper, and better prepared to take on the challenges of life.

Accept God’s rod when you do wrong.

It’s the only way to…

Stay the course.Keep the faith.Endure.

Market like you mean it. Now go sell something.