George Kohl #3

As I’ve continued to engage in meaningful dialogue with my mentor, Marty, there is one thing in particular that has been discussed in every meeting. That thing would be my decision to no longer play football. I touched on this during the devotion I delivered in class a few weeks ago, however for those of you who don’t know, back in January, I made the incredibly challenging decision to no longer play football. Since arriving at Wheaton, a mere year and a half ago, I’ve had to have two shoulder surgeries. This was and is something that had taken an immense toll on mentality and outlook on football. I wrestled with this decision for several months and concluded that it would be in my best interest to “hang up the cleats.” It hasn’t been easy since I made this decision. No longer doing something I’ve done all my life and transitioning into the live of a farb has been a challenging role and it’s far from over. Marty has been there for me through this process. Having someone like Marty to talk to in addition to my family and close friends has been invaluable.

I’ve already mentioned in past blogs that Marty is someone who not only encourages me, but also someone who really challenges me. And through this tough process, Marty has been no different. This decision is something I will look back on years from now, and I can either view it as a turning point for good, or as a turning point for the worse. It is all about what I make of the days, months, and years ahead of me. With me no longer being an athlete, I need to redefine myself. I’m not George Kohl the football player anymore. Marty has challenged me to invest myself in things of value. He’s pushed and encouraged me to get involved in new organizations or to find some hobbies I can spend time working on. But above all, Marty has told me that this is a great opportunity for my faith and relationship with God. As I’ve endured injuries and surgeries, and ultimately this decision to stop playing football, I questioned God because it was and still is hard for me to see how He is working in this situation. But I know He is. Marty has encouraged me to lean into God is this tough time and spend more time reflecting and talking with him (I do have significantly more free time now). I understand that the road ahead will still be tough as I miss football and the community that I was once fully immersed into, but I have peace knowing God has a plan for the next phase of my life. I am incredibly grateful for my family, my friends, and Marty for their support and their role in helping me process and transition into the next phase of my life.