I haven’t said anything about Clemson’s losing the championship game. I had predicted to friends that they would win. I was wrong. However, I was right on another prediction: that the sun would come up Tuesday morning and life would go on. And it has!
I was proud of the way Coach Dabo Swinney, who builds his teams on love, was gracious in defeat, continuing to give glory to God, and continuing to love his players, win or lose. And now here’s something else to be proud about: the kind of men Dabo is building there. Men (not all, I’m sure) who are unashamed of Jesus and who make decisions for reasons other than immediate financial gain.
Everyone thought Clemson’s top running back, Travis Etienne, who just completed his junior year, would declare for the NFL draft. He was predicted to be picked very high and be offered A LOT of money. Here’s his decision as he tweeted it on January 17. It needs no comment. (If you can’t see the picture, go here.)
I read today that he had promised his mother that he would stay in school until he received his degree. So he is keeping his promise to her and taking a risk of injury that could cost him millions of dollars down the road. He surely is a man of conviction.
Wow! That was so encouraging! I started to razz you. We rooted for LSU because our 3rd great nephew is there. Otherwise we probably would have rooted with you and Clemson!
I’ll approve the comment even if you did root for the “wrong” Tigers! 🙂