Loving the Opportunity, Not Just the Game

Hard to believe basketball season is almost done!

We only have this coming week and then a game the next week Monday and the season will be over.

I never imagined loving to coach as much as I have. Granted, I didn’t go into the season with many expectations. I went into the season knowing that I had the opportunity to invest in a group of girls. A group of girls that I have grown to love as my own. They have not only been girls that I coach, but girls that have become MY teammates. Girls that desire to love God. Girls that desire to live for God.

And together, as we seek those same goals, we become a unit – a unit bearing His name.

Ever since having to “quit” the game because of my heart condition, I have never lost a love for the sport. Yet my perspective and love for the game has changed dramatically.

I used to love the game itself. And that was it. I didn’t love it because of the gifts God had so graciously given me. I didn’t recognize the fact that every time I stepped out on the court, that it was a gift – a time to proclaim His name through gifts and talents. A time to bear the image of Christ. I went and played for a Christian school, but I didn’t realize what a privilege that was! It was more than about winning a game. In fact, I now realize that it’s not about winning a game. Yes, winning brings excitement, but if that is all we are playing for, we are going to be sorely disappointed.

That is what I have loved about coaching. Someday these girls will be done playing. What are they going to take away from this game? Only the wins and losses? Or the sisterhood, the faith, the realization that there IS more to life than this earthly life – a life lived for HIM, in everything we do?

This is why I have been humbled by this opportunity. God has challenged me as a person in many ways and I am continually grateful for the 10 girls that have blessed my life so richly! And, I am so blessed to have been coaching with Jess and Anna along the way, both of whom I have learned MUCH from! Couldn’t be more thankful for them!