KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, FL, November 30, 2011— Although a professional athlete for decades, I’ve never really been a spectator of sports. I enjoy participating in sports, I understand the rules of most games, and I admire the heart and talent of the athletes; but sitting on the sidelines or hanging out on the couch for hours has never appealed to me.
In my seventeen years of marriage, I’m embarrassed to share that up until recently, I’ve never actually watched a football game on television with my husband. At the suggestion of a friend, however, I decided it was time to take a seat and spend some time with my man.
During the first few games, I have to admit I merely pretended to be interested, all the while fighting the urge to get up and “do” something. But over the course of the last month, something incredible has happened. With each game, I’ve gotten a little more interested in watching and a little less interested in cleaning the house. I’m even checking football schedules to make sure my “to do” list doesn’t interfere with my “game” date.
Not only has football changed my schedule, but recently, it has even invaded my emotions. To my horror, just last week I suddenly became one of “those people” who yells at the television. On Sunday, I was going around the house giving out high fives during the game. The kicker was my staying up past midnight, on a school night mind you, so that I could watch the end of a game that had run into over-time.
All because of Tim Tebow.
Tim Tebow’s passion for the game of football and his passion for His God has stirred something in my soul. It’s caused me not only to wait with excitement for the next Denver Broncos game, but it’s also encouraged me to lace up my shoes, take to the game of life and tackle the giants that stand in the way of my own victory.
Simply put, the life of Tim Tebow, both on and off the field, inspires me.
His life reminds me that character counts as character draws others onto your team and inspires them to give their best. It reminds me that attitude determines our level of victory which in turn can greatly impact the lives of others.
His life reminds me that champion’s aren’t people who never fail or never fall, rather, they are individuals who get up, get back in the game, and fight to the end. Champion’s are people who don’t let the odds defeat them, the nay-sayers discourage them, or the clock of life cause them to panic. Lastly, the life of Tim Tebow reminds me that with God, nothing is impossible!
Thank you, Tim Tebow, for exemplifying the heart of a champion both on and off the field. Thank you for inspiring us all to give a little more and fight a little harder. Thank you for providing a wonderful opportunity for my husband and I to spend some quality time together.
In your honor, and in the honor of all you stand for, I just might really lose myself to this sport. You may even find me sporting some Denver Broncos apparel on game day! Who would have “thunk” it?
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Kristi Overton Johnson is a wife, mother and World Record Holder in women’s slalom in the sport of waterskiing from 1992-2010. Having retired from professional sports, Kristi now helps others fulfill their God-given destiny.
She is the founder of Champion’s Heart and In His Wakes, divisions of KOJ Ministries. Kristi currently resides in Florida with her husband, Tim, and their three children.
To read more by Kristi go to http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/his-wakes
To learn about her mission and work visit Kristi Overton Johnson Ministries.
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