I mentioned I was coaching...not officially...just coaching 12 yo at home, in conjunction with dh and things he's learning. But still, it's coaching, in a sense. Nearly every day, I throw a couple of buckets of balls at ds, and he works on blocking. We do some other exercises to work on certain skills that need improvement in his position. He's been able to catch the last three games, and he's improving.
At one of the games last week, a couple of other coaches stopped by to watch. One, the friend of dh whose son catches as well, has been helping ds with lots of stuff. When he attends a game, he gets a perspective on what needs work, and the next time they get together, there are more drills to learn and work on. Another, ds' coach last year, stopped and asked me how ds was doing, commenting that he looked good behind the plate. It's neat to see that relationship extend beyond a coach's responsibility, concluded at the end of a season, and to see that interest persist. Between the two being around that game, I got a neat little glimpse of God at work in the lives of His children.
In a training environment, the Lord instructs, and then, it's gametime. Time to go out and practice what we've learned. Jesus sent out 12, and later, 70. They had watched, co-participated, and been empowered. Now, to go and do. On returning and rejoicing, they were further instructed...don't get caught up in what you've done, but who you are. Rejoice that your names are written in the Lamb's book of life. (My paraphrase.)
These coaches are watching, appreciating, cheering, but also taking what they see to help further develop the young man as a catcher. It's not about puffing up, but about refining, improving, perfecting. As a contrast, one coach in the picture has a tendency to yell at the players when they make a bad play, oftentimes when that play has not been practiced or taught. God doesn't deal with us like that, thankfully. He allows the opportunity to learn, to train, to do. Imperfection is a point of instruction, not anger. He knows we are not yet perfect, and He is the perfecter. He takes responsibility to direct us, and we bear the responsibility of cooperating. We can be bull headed students, or eager learners. Our failures may disappoint, but they are points of leading to greater learning. Just as I am thankful for the Lord who is my Shepherd, I am thankful for the Lord who is my Coach, training and guiding, that I may be what He intends. He sees my potential, and together we will realize it. Praise be to Him! |
April 29, 2009 - Great analogy