The Draft

Various sports around the world hold drafts that allow them to choose which players they will sign contracts. The earlier a player is drafted usually corresponds to the amount they will be paid. This is similar to children picking captains to choose who will be on their team. The captains normally select the better players first, while the other children just do not want to be the last one.  

Sometimes the teams making the choices are fortunate to find a hidden gem that works out better than expected. Too many times, someone selected too soon is cause for heartbreak. Drafts are highly unpredictable. You really do not know what you have until you have worked with them.

Many instances of life are similar to drafts. In politics, we vote for someone we do not really know to keep the promises they make. Sometimes they do, but for a variety of reasons, they more often do not. 

Job interviews are also like this. Some people interview well and get the job unable to fulfill the demands. Those not selected may exceed the job requirements, but they are unable to master the interview.

Fixing missed opportunities can be a lengthy and costly process. 

We can choose our friends, as well. Sometimes we choose well. Then we have those times when we wonder how we got involved with some of them. I have been very fortunate. I have great friends. I may not see them all as often as I like. This is largely because of where everyone lives these days. However, with technology, it is easier to stay in contact. 

The one thing we cannot choose is our family members. I would also like to say, that I would still draft everyone in my family. From siblings to cousins and even my in-laws, they all have been a blessing in one way or the other. There are some with whose opinions I may never agree. Some make decisions that I do not understand. What difference do things make? They are still some of the greatest people I have ever met. 

If I had to draft family members, I would miss some things that make me who I am. No family is perfect. Nevertheless, my family is perfect for me.

I hear people complain about their families. Bad relationships have ruined the mere concept of family for some. Some of the reasons they have are understandable, but my heart goes out to these people. I think they are missing out. 

I wish everyone could have the large, loud, and possibly obnoxious family and friends that I do. I think family is important. Fortunately, some friends are more like family. For those that do not think they have a great family, find a few good friends. Some do not know how to make friends. The best way to make a friend is to be friendly.