COMMUNITY COMMENTARY:

Even as my investments dwindle, I was reminded recently of a basic premise of life, when I saw my son exuberant and filled with glee as his team played rugby last weekend at Parson’s field here in Costa Mesa.

In the midst of the worst economy in 40 years, my 10-year-old knows little about the trials and tribulations of being associated with life’s little curve balls. The previous day, I was sitting in an office, absorbing salary cuts and searching for equity partners to breathe life into a once-flourishing development business.

My mind was cluttered full of CNBC news bites and decompressing cap rates linked to a crumbling real-estate values. In fact, this particular Saturday, on my way to my son’s game, I was so self-absorbed with pity that I left my keys in the ignition, only realizing this after I arrived back at my car.

As I walked onto the field, a strange thing happened; I forgot about Cramer, Citibank and $2-trillion in debt. I watched my son play rugby and it occurred to me that he cared little about our current recession/depression. In fact, he probably would never remember the date when the Dow hit 6,594. He would, however, remember the pitch from Noah that led to the eventual score and celebration that followed.

You see, youth sports during tough times help all of us form a frame of reference. As adults, all too often, we confuse and co-mingle what’s not important to our kids with what they yearn for.

To a 10-year-old, life should not be about what is wrong, but what is good and the endless possibilities ahead. This particular day, I had an epiphany: It’s not about me; it’s about them! As I reveled in his excitement, I realized how unimportant speed bumps are to the ultimate destination of where we take our lives.

As a Boy Scout we were taught to read maps, use a compass and reflect on where we traveled. Perhaps that day was a scriptural opportunity to reflect on being lost and where I needed to go.

Our economy is a mess, but it too will pass. In the end, our families are all we have, and my son said it all as we left the game.

I asked him what he learned that day and if he had fun.

“Dad,” he said, “this is as good as it gets.” I had a momentary timeout in a sea of fluid challenges. Yes, the Scouts were right: Read the compass! Youth sports in our community provide not only outlets for our youths to prosper in tough times, but for their parents to reflect and grow.

Quoting a famous line in a heart-warming movie, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Get engaged and go play ball! You can’t get yesterday back, but you may find that trail you lost!

Pop Warner is offering online registration for its 2009 season at www.costamesapopwarnerfootball.com.

STEVE MENSINGER is the president of Costa Mesa Pop Warner football.