With all the craziness going on in the world sometimes sports and the athletes that play them can remind us of what is really important in life. And that reminder isn’t always found in the cool action photo or the spectacular emotional reaction image.

Sometimes it is in the photo not taken because it is a moment taken for granted and overlooked. 

A what is the big deal, who really cares moment like the moment pictured above.

This time however I took the time to capture the moment.

In the middle of last Saturday’s soccer playoff match between Aberdeen Central and Spearfish, the Golden Eagles’ Lauren Joosten took the time to help out Spearfish’s goalkeeper Lauren Peotter who went down with a leg cramp. Without any hesitation or even being asked Joosten helped Peotter stretch out her leg and get back in the game. 

Now don’t think for a minute that this is the first time I have seen an act of selflessness on the field of play. Sure acts of kindness like this have happened multiple times before, probably everyday on fields of competition all around the world.

But seeing this sight reminded me of two things. 

First that earlier in the game Joosten had collided with Peotter while Joosten tried to take a shot on goal and on that play Joosten went airborne and landed awkwardly on her arm, needing to leave the game with an injury. 

Yet later, despite her own injury, Joosten did not hesitate to help this same fellow competitor.

And that simple act reminded me of the other thing, more people in this world (myself included) can learn from that simple act of grace.

Would it hurt any us to be a little less selfish and take the time to help out our fellow man with even the simplest act of kindness?