We are a football family. It's been in my blood since I was 16 and slipped Mark's jersey on to show my allegiance to the football star at our high school. Ever since that time, I've always had tremendous pride for my husband when seeing him on the football field - whether it was suited up breaking a tackle or now leading high school players as an assistant varsity coach. I tend to see him in a new light while coaching. My favorite visual of him on the sidelines is when all hell is breaking loose and he is sitting there very calm and collected. He knows that freaking out will only hinder his responsibility and effectiveness as a coach. The football players look to him for direction. There is a confidence they gain by looking to him and the other coaches during a trying time. My dear uncle described that attribute in Mark as "meekness". He said that meekness can be defined as "being in complete control while under pressure." I see this in Mark, not only on the playing field, but also in our lives. As struggles arise, I look to him for the confidence that everything is going to be alright. He's my rock.
What I love about our football program is that they view football as more than football. They take this opportunity to touch the lives of teenagers seriously. If you've ever seen the movie Facing the Giants, you understand what I mean. The coaches open every practice and every game with a devotional and prayer time. Each coach leads a week of devotions and Mark does not take that responsibility lightly. He reflects and prays about what to show these kids. The last week he had devos (as they lovingly call them), he spoke on adversity. Here are some of the notable quotes he shared with the players:
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We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, "Why did this happen to me?" unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way. (Author Unknown)
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We turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking, only to learn that it is God who is shaking them. (Charles C. West)
If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it. (Mary Engelbreit)
There is no education like adversity. (Disraeli)
Adversity introduces a man to himself. (Author Unknown)
Watch a man in times of... adversity to discover what kind of man he is; for then at last words of truth are drawn from the depths of his heart, and the mask is torn off. (Author Unknown)
Like a plant that starts up in showers and sunshine and does not know which has best helped it to grow, it is difficult to say whether the hard things or the pleasant things did me the most good. (Lucy Larcom)
Those are some powerful words to hear when you are facing adversity. We need to remember that Christ said, "My strength is made perfect in weakness."
These are the life lessons that these football players are hearing from their coaches. Definitely learning much more than X's and O's on this football team. Mark feels privileged to be part of it and I'm thankful to be witnessing it.
So off to another Friday night game, rain or shine. Last week it rained and I was soaked and cold. For those of you who know me well, you know that I love the rain. I even love it in the stands of a football game. I don't know why I love the rain so much. It's relaxing. It's cleansing. It's even out of the ordinary. It makes you readjust. It just makes me happy.
