My Dad is my hero. He's someone that I look up to every
single day. He's been such a huge influence in my life and I want to be just
like him when I grow up. I wouldn't be the man I am today without him. I
couldn't think of anybody better to have as my mentor for this class because my
Dad has always been there for me. I have always been close to my Dad. He was my
basketball coach in high school and he remains my closest confidant. We
maintain regular contact and we call each other every week. One of our conversations
recently has really stuck with me. We are both huge fans of the New England
Patriots and argue which one of us is the bigger fan. We even flew out to
Boston to watch one of their home games. So naturally, we talk a ton about the
patriots and other Boston sports teams.
We were talking about Tom Brady and how great he was since he is the
G.O.A.T. We talked about how awesome the Super Bowl comeback was and how the
Patriots are going to win it all again next year. Then my Dad said how great it
was to see the patriot’s team chaplain (who we have a minor connection with)
pray/talk with Brady after the Super Bowl.
We then talked about Brady and religion since Brady is definitely not a
devout Christian, even though he was raised in a devout Irish-Catholic
family. My Dad then told me how amazing
it was that Brady seems to have everything. He’s insanely rich, has great
health, is a NFL quarterback, is arguably the best quarterback of all time, and
is married to a supermodel that makes more money than he does. He seems like he
has everything you could want from this life. Yet Mark 8:36 says “What good is
it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Tom Brady has “gained
the whole world” but he is missing out on what truly matters, and that is a
relationship with the Lord. It was such a great reminder from my Dad that only
one thing in life truly matters and that only what is done for Christ will
last. We can chase after the world, but it can’t compare to Jesus. For Jesus is
far greater than anything that the world can provide. I’m extremely grateful to
have a mentor to remind me of this.
Zach,
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for sharing this. Although I am a die-hard Colts fan, and stand by Peyton's football game, and his recently found faith in Christ, I sadly concede that Brady is the GOAT. It is so interesting and cool to read about your conversation with your dad, as my father and I have had similar discussions about players like Michael Jordan, Reggie Miller, and other stars alike, who have reached the pinnacle of social notoriety, yet still remained lacking in an eternal sense. Although everyone will roll their eyes at this mention, my heart breaks for Tim Tebow. Sure he was not a NFL material starting QB, but that man used the talent had, to win a NCAAF National Championship and a NFL game as a starting QB. And yet, whether he was succeeding or struggling in the NFL, the conversation turned to 'Tebowing' and 'he better pray for an angel in the backfield to help him throw that ball'. It is both intriguing but also disheartening to acknowledge that some of the greatest athletes, politicians, scientists, doctors, and well-accomplished individuals from many other professions, are placed on a pedestal and experience on fleeting pleasure without ever gaining the eternal joy of relation with the Triune God.
I would encourage that (1) you forgive the Colts for a bone headed complaint (deflate gate) by our terrible ex-GM; and (2) that you continue to have the challenging, thought-provoking spiritual discussions of various topics with your father.
Zachary Joseph Kvam,
ReplyDeleteYour love of Tom Brady and the Patriots astounds me. One thing that does not astound me is your love for your father. It has been my honor getting to know you over the last two years. You often talk of your father, Roger, and it is clear to see that he is truly a great role model and leader for you.
It is really cool to see how you both can talk about Tom Brady, the GOAT, and Jesus in the same breath. What do I mean by this? Here's what I mean: you both are so connected by your affinity for the Patriots and football, but you are also extremely connected by your faith in Jesus where you are implementing Christ into every aspect of your life. That is really cool. I look forward to seeing your next posts.
- L
Kvam,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your mentorship with your dad. Your dad has taught you truly matters in life. Everyone needs that parental figure to express to us what is this message in our lives.
I do agree with Grant with his comment about Tim Tebow. Tim Tebow, the real GOAT, has the greatest work ethic I have ever seen and is a multi-sport athlete. Most importantly though he has found the Lord. He can perfectly balance his athletic career with faith. We all need to learn from this. So maybe the Patriots can sign Tebow. Tim can give Brady advice on balancing faith and sports and Brady can give Tebow tips on his throwing motion.
-Kobe
Zack,
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for sharing. It is nice to see how close and comfortable you are with your father. I have to agree with you that Tom Brady is undoubtedly one of the greatest of all time. It is encouraging to see that although you are one of the biggest Patriots and Brady fans, your faith enables you to see them through sober lenses. Because of your faith, you understand the things in life that truly matter.
I can clearly see how grounded your father is in faith as well. He is one of the mentors in your life that will always remind you of your faith and how it is relevant in every experience that you go through. I am excited to hear about your upcoming conversations with your father.
Best,
Harry
Zack,
ReplyDeleteIt's great to hear about the connection and relationship that you and your father share. I think your dad is right on point in saying that he may have everything of this world anyone could ever want but when it comes down to it, he is missing something key. What worth are earthly possessions? They only hold "value" for a little while and while we sometimes forget that, it's key to be reminded that what is truly worth understanding is the life we will have with our Lord and Savior in Heaven. It's great for you to have a strong bond with your dad when it comes to everyday things like sports but also in the area of spirituality and faith. It's these relationships that you learn and grow the most in.
-Jessica