Substitute Coaching

   Back in my teaching days in Chattanooga, I had the opportunity to do some athletic coaching. The athletic director at our school asked me to be the cross country coach. Now my qualifications for this position were very limited, but I thought I could help get the program off the ground, so I agreed. Having a son that was a cross country and track runner in high school and college, and also being a slow jogger, definitely were not good reasons to take on the job, but I liked to be with the kids, so I did it for a few years, with limited success.

   Why do those thoughts come up this morning? I was thinking about how God puts things and situations in my life for a purpose, and that it is much easier to see those purposes after the event transpires. I can possibly know the broad outline of a particular set of circumstances before they occur, but have to be open to God's leadership as they play out each day.

   Next week we will be in Charlotte with two main purposes in mind. We will stay with our 15 yr. old grand daughter while her parents take the older son off to college, and I will also get the chance to put the school's cross country team, both and girls, through some of their preseason workouts. I'm sure that our son, who is not only the schools' director, but coaches the team, will have my plans and workout details ready for me to follow. All I need to do is show up and put those plans into action.

   Now what are my plans for this coaching assignment? I plan to show up each day and follow the directions that have been given to me by someone who knows much better than I do, how this job ought to be done. I plan to do my best to direct and encourage the runners to put forth their best effort, in spite of heat and muscle pain.

   Aren't those plans good ones for living my life each day? Show up, follow the directions from the One who knows best, interact with others that are put in my path, encourage them in their walk, and do my best in those assignments.

   Sounds like good advice, now all I have to do is remember to follow it.