GO TEAM!!!

Athletics was a significant part of my childhood, but I never actually played a sport.  I failed to understand the impact that a quality coach can have on a young person.  As a parent I want my son to be involved in activities that will not only help him learn specific skills, but also develop his character and build self-esteem.  Jake just finished a season of Upward football and I am grateful for the men and women that helped create lasting imprints on our children.  A specific person that is worthy of praise is one of Jake's coaches, and our friend of over 15 years, Coach Chip.

The first thing you notice about Chip is the fact that he towers over you standing 6 feet 7 inches tall.  He is never at a loss for words and can talk about anything and everything under the sun.  Chip has a razor sharp wit and sarcasm and never tires of teasing me and Christine...I admit we continue to give him great material.  I don't even try to retaliate because I know I have no shot of holding my own against the master of the one liner.  I always knew that he was a terrific Dad, but I had never seen him interact with other children.  On the playing field I saw an entirely different side of him (one that I am sure he wanted me to share freely with anyone reading my blog).  As he instructed the boys and girls on his team about the fundamentals of football, he illuminated many ways in which I could be a more powerful parent.

The first thing I noticed was that he genuinely loved the kids.  He was enthusiastic about the task at hand. He acted as if there was no where he would rather be than out on the field with his team.  He gave them undivided attention.  I loved when I would see him tap a kid on the back or ruffle their hair.  He saw them as individuals that he wanted to get to know during the time they were together.  I know it is not easy trying to get a group of 9 and 10 year olds to pay attention, but I never saw Chip lose his patience.  He demanded respect and corrected the kids when they needed to be, but he did all of this with an ease that comes from someone that is secure with his place as a leader.  Without a doubt the most powerful trait he displayed was encouragement.  It is easy to clap your hands and say good job to someone that is actually doing well.  But Chip found something praiseworthy to say to every child no matter what they did out on the field.  Once he had made them feel valued, it opened the door for him to teach so that the next time things might go better.  He was more intent on building confidence in these young people than executing a play to perfection.

My son Jake becomes frustrated when things don't come naturally.  He started the season having already decided he was not going to do well.  If he was out of the field and he dropped a pass or could not get to a flag his shoulders would slump and he would look to the ground with disappointment.  That was when I would hear Coach Chip pointing out all the things that he had done right.  Coach let him know right then and there that he was important and "stuff happens" but you gotta stay in the game.  Last week, Jake played quarterback.  Matt and I arrived at the church excited but nervous at the same time.  Half the time I don't even know what is going on, but I can share with you that Jake played with confidence and rose to the challenge.  When there was a mistake, instead of staring at the ground, he looked to Chip to tell him what he needed to do.  In a thank you note he gave to Chip he wrote, "you always encouraged me to be the best that I can be."

The world is going to constantly show our children their faults and weaknesses.  They desperately need parents, coaches, teachers, and friends that build them up.  I want to be more like Coach Chip.  I will show up and be passionate about the time I have with my children.  I can be patient as my boys struggle to navigate the rough roads ahead.  They will not always do the right thing, but I have to use those moments to teach them what they can do differently the next time.  I want to be a mother that knows her place in her family and is firm and fair.  I have not been called to be Jake and Grant's best friend.  My task is to raise two boys that will hopefully become Godly men.  Finally, I want to be a cheerleader that shouts praise over them so loudly that the negative influences fade away. I find myself being all too quick to point out what my children are doing wrong, but sometimes I forget to share with them the unique gifts that allow both of them to shine.

I don't think I will ever know what if feels like to cut down a net or have a bucket of Gatorade poured over me after a big win, but I have felt the thrill of victory.  I saw it on my son's face when he threw for a touchdown and the coach, and more importantly his Dad, congratulated him on a job well done.  Thanks Coach Chip for sharing your talents and glorifying God in the process.

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
-Proverbs 22:6 



PRAY BEFORE YOU PLAY!