One of the things that I was concerned about, when Timothy started his basketball camp, was his ability to keep-up. One evening, about a year ago, when his mom took him outside to play, he made a couple of little runs back and forth in the yard and then told Lydia that they should go inside and play Checkers.
I was aware that the person who was going to coach the BB lessons is a caring person, but a focused and motivated trainer. I also knew that most of the children in this group would be more advanced in age, size, experience and skills. This could be a problem, because he does not like to lose or to look bad.
Well, he came face to face with all of those challenges, including the inevitable shots to the nose and jammed fingers. And sure enough, he was not the most talented one on the court. Oh my. But he really surprised me. He has stuck with it, he has faced his weaknesses and failures and he is still trying to make the grade. He cheers-on his teammates, he congratulates those who do well. (And by the way, they actually cut him slack, so that he can participate,and the coaches help him along the way).
Okay, if they were choosing teams, he would probably be the last one chosen. If a coach wanted to win games more than train children, then they would not even suit him up. But if they were looking for the determination to keep-on-keeping-on against overwhelming odds, then he would be first string. If they were looking for someone who was willing to try, even though he might fail, he would be a player.
MY POINT. Sadly it does not take much to discourage or distract most people in the game of life, especially the Christian life. This is why a good team (even if it has some weak players), with a competent coach (pastor) is essential for growth and success in following Christ. This is why we must be willing to take the knocks, suffer the humiliation, take the beating as rookie Christians. This is why the older, more accomplished team members must be supportive, encouraging, helpful, self denying.
The Christian objective is not to get the best contract, the best parking space, the perks, the accolades. The Christian objective is to be the best part of the team that we can be and to help each one become the best he/she can be. There is no room for thin skin or self orientation when we are part of a Bible church. We are one body, and when someone else hurts, we should feel their pain, not add to it.
(9/23/15 dlg on fb)
I was aware that the person who was going to coach the BB lessons is a caring person, but a focused and motivated trainer. I also knew that most of the children in this group would be more advanced in age, size, experience and skills. This could be a problem, because he does not like to lose or to look bad.
Well, he came face to face with all of those challenges, including the inevitable shots to the nose and jammed fingers. And sure enough, he was not the most talented one on the court. Oh my. But he really surprised me. He has stuck with it, he has faced his weaknesses and failures and he is still trying to make the grade. He cheers-on his teammates, he congratulates those who do well. (And by the way, they actually cut him slack, so that he can participate,and the coaches help him along the way).
Okay, if they were choosing teams, he would probably be the last one chosen. If a coach wanted to win games more than train children, then they would not even suit him up. But if they were looking for the determination to keep-on-keeping-on against overwhelming odds, then he would be first string. If they were looking for someone who was willing to try, even though he might fail, he would be a player.
MY POINT. Sadly it does not take much to discourage or distract most people in the game of life, especially the Christian life. This is why a good team (even if it has some weak players), with a competent coach (pastor) is essential for growth and success in following Christ. This is why we must be willing to take the knocks, suffer the humiliation, take the beating as rookie Christians. This is why the older, more accomplished team members must be supportive, encouraging, helpful, self denying.
The Christian objective is not to get the best contract, the best parking space, the perks, the accolades. The Christian objective is to be the best part of the team that we can be and to help each one become the best he/she can be. There is no room for thin skin or self orientation when we are part of a Bible church. We are one body, and when someone else hurts, we should feel their pain, not add to it.
(9/23/15 dlg on fb)
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