November 9, 2009 - Whistles

This past Saturday I had the privilege of sharing with a group of coaches in Indiana. We spent a few hours together looking at coaching basketball and honoring the Lord! We went often to God’s Playbook to be encouraged and some times rebuked.

During the time I was reminded of a phone conversation I had with one of my dearest friends in the world. He was telling me of a game where the officials were not doing a good job and he had made sure he let them know it (to the point that he lost it a bit.) His call was one that had an element of confession and probably an element of hoping I would say, “Yeah those officials were horrible!” That would somewhat justify his outburst. (I know this because of the times I have had sideline outburst and hoped someone would tell me how bad they thought the officials were.)

What I shared with my friend that day, and with the coaches this past Saturday, was that we need to make sure we are remembering what our roles are. I asked him who was coaching his kids while he was coaching the referees.

A short time after that conversation with my friend he had to coach another game. He made a concentrated effort to coach his kids and not the referees. He later called me and shared how much more he got accomplished when he stayed on task – and how much better he felt about it. (I was very proud of him – and hoping I could then follow my own advice.)

Really it is all in perspective. First we must understand our roles in life and strive to live up to that. Second we must learn that when the “whistle blows” indicating an infraction in life, that is a perfect time for teaching and correction. We need to take advantage of those times, not look for excuses or someone to blame.

We live in a world where people cannot stand to be corrected. (Yet isn’t that what the officials are doing in a game when they blow their whistles?)

Proverbs 10:¹⁷ He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

When coaching there are little eyes watching you and learning how to handle correction. In life realize that we all have a testimony – what is yours saying?

November 2, 2009 - Recommendations

Being a coach and teacher affords me the opportunity to try to mold and prepare players and students. This molding and preparing is for their next steps in life – whether it be college athletics or academics.

As a result I am often asked to make recommendations to coaches or schools. This past week alone I have received numerous requests along both lines. These requests have run the scope of basketball to graduate school admissions. I have filled out requests and have also denied requests.

The issue in this lies in the fact that I have to then truly consider the person making the request and whether or not I can give a good word for this person. This involves many variables: such as how long ago I was around this person; have I observed this person in the situation to which I am being asked to give account for: and the call to be honest in life which could mean I don’t think the person is ready for the particular position. Imagine what college coaches would think if I sent them players not ready to play?

Basically I have to remember that by giving a reference I am also putting my own reputation on the line. I need to feel positive that integrity is observed.

The apostle Paul often gave reference to those he was sending forth. He would also at times give a bad report on some. We see Paul being very honest and strong in his appeals. In fact when he sent Onesimus back to Philemon he went as far as saying, “welcome him as you would welcome me.” (Vs. 17)

Paul simply called things the way he sees them. (He would have made a great coach!)

So how does this pertain to you? First of all I think it is a call to each of us to be honest and straight forward. Secondly it is a call to each of us to pursue excellence in the things we do.

If you want a recommendation then make sure you are worthy of it! Work hard in all you do. Make sure others see desire and work ethic in you – whether it be the athletic arena, the classroom, or even your job place when pursuing that promotion.