Epiphany #5: Taking the Occasional Leap (aka: “I can’t believe I just did that”!)
Last spring I decided to put my passion for the game of baseball into practice, serving as assistant coach for my son’s t-ball team. I didn’t think much about it, as I was responsible for just showing up, following the lead and the program of the coach – teaching and encouraging the little guys. It was great fun, but I saw the amount of effort and commitment the coach invested in our team. It was no small feat to make it all work like a well-oiled machine.
Fast-forward to today… I took the call from the church recreation league office – “we don’t have a head coach for several Pee-Wee league baseball teams, including your son’s team”. Well, it’s not like my life isn’t already absolutely jam-packed with trying to run and grow a business, trying to contribute meaningfully at home with the kids, helping get the house back in order after our little flood disaster from earlier this summer, trying to stay fit, trying to spend time in the Word, trying to basically (arguably!) stay sane…
Despite that, I am totally thrilled to coach the team – with a few fears and reservations, I’ll admit – but I had more than a couple of great coaches playing ball as a kid, and a fantastic coach (Paul Jenkins) with whom I had the privilege of working last season. Each of these great experiences had to have been for a purpose – and maybe that purpose was equipping me for this opportunity. Developing young professionals and budding little Albert Pujols wannabees are both areas I am passionate about, so I guess wearing an additional hat for a season as “coach” won’t be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
If anything, I’m reminded that when I ask God for opportunities to stretch, grow, serve, and influence others for Him, not to be surprised when He gives me the opportunities to do so, and to be sure to recognize those opportunities for what they are! Henry Blackaby wrote, in “Experiencing God” that the most sure-fire way to know where God wants you to be in order to do His will is to look around you, see where He is at work, and position yourself squarely in the middle of it. So as I wonder where I’ll find the energy to tackle this latest “calling”, I’ll remind myself that doing His work is a SOURCE of energy, not a DRAIN of energy. I look forward to the opportunity to spend even more meaningful, memory-making time with my son and hopefully leaving a lasting impression on the next generation of little sluggers and servants for Him.
PLAY BALL!!!
August 10, 2010 at 10:02 am
Chris,
I was truly honorred to Coach with you last season, and you will make a Great Head Coach. My only advice is to be Humble, Thin Skinned, Above all teach them your Passion for the game, Elevate EVERY Players Skills, Love your Players, And teach them in a Loving Manner. I believe you will do Great at all of this. Call, or Facebook anytime you may need anything.
Coach,
Paul Jenkins
678-414-4056
Ps: Thanks for all the compliments from last Season, and as I said in the beginning of the season I would not put winning above any players not learning, and Loving the game of Baseball, and I think as a Coaching Staff we did a Great job this past spring.