Most people try to teach their children, at a very early age, about fairness. For example, in the eyes of a 2 year old, it's just not FAIR that I can't have that toy truck at the check out counter at Wal-Mart. As a 10 year old, it's not FAIR that I can't stay up til 9:00 like all of my friends! As parents trying to teach their children about fairness from a biblical standpoint, many examples of fairness can be found in the Bible. The Golden Rule is a supreme reminder to always "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." We have always repeated this mantra to our children, on a daily basis. Yet it's hard to explain to them the reality that quite often, in reality, life isn't fair. And worse still, we don't know why. Many situations in life spin us into a fury of WHY, WHY, WHY??!! Why did my puppy run away? Why did my Grandpa have to die? Why do some children not have enough to eat? WHY? As adults, we are looked upon to know these answers, but often we don't. So lately, our mantra has been: Life ISN'T fair sometimes. Sometimes in big ways but more often in small ways. Take sports, for example. Many folks just don't get why others make such a big deal out of sports. It's just a game, after all! But it's more than just a game. Your child is putting himself or herself out there, in a position of vulnerability, to display their best, to win. Doesn't matter the sport. Your child has practiced their heart out, cried their heart out in frustration, prayed their heart out in earnest appeal, and sometimes it seems to be all for naught. It's easy when they're young and on a team where everyone gets a turn, no matter what. It's only fair, right?! But as they age, slowly the mediocre players are weeded out and only the "good" remain. And this is where the problem begins. As soon as someone else is the decider of how "good" we are, we become different. Gone are the days of playing with reckless abandon and love of the game. Now it becomes a question of: are you good enough today to play on this team? I can only imagine what that does to a child's tender psyche. After all, up to this point, they've been told how wonderful a player they are and given trophies at the end of each season to tangibly show their worth. Far too soon in a child's life, reality sets in. It's not all about how hard you try, how "good" you are. It's about whether or not your older brother/sister played or where your mom and dad work or go to church. It's not about ability or desire, instead it's about who you are. I grew up in a town where this was the law. If you weren't from our town, you stood little chance of making the team, much less spending any time actually playing. If you attended the "right" church or lived in the right neighborhood, your chances for seeing playing time increased. I can only imagine the anguish experienced by these young folks through the years as they were swept aside in their desires to simply be a part--it's not fair. It stings in my memory, but it burns a part of my soul when it happens to my children. I don't think there is any greater heartache than seeing your own child's heart break. I cannot stand silently by while injustice is being done. What does that teach my children about fairness? So while my children, and zillions of other children, may not be the Michael Jordan of this new century, they are worthy of being given a chance. Do not worry about who their grandparents are or what political party they support. Coaches, do your JOB and teach them, in an ethical manner, about playing the sport. Teach them respect (as you, by your actions, should deserve it), teach them humilitly, and most importantly, show them by example that fairness DOES still exist in this world. Do NOT curse at them, relentlessly embarass them, or otherwise make them feel worthless. Mold them into better players, better PEOPLE, by showing them how to improve on their weaknesses. After all, we've entrusted our most precious possessions to you for your guidance. Don't let us down. Don't let them down. We've only got this one chance, at this one time in life, to do things right. I simply ask, treat each one as if they were your own, and always, always be fair.