“Unless the Lord builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.”
– Psalm 127:1

Let’s face it, being a coach on any level is hard on the family life. As coaches, we’re pulled away from our homes and families a great deal. The profession requires us to study film, prepare practice schedules, speak to outside groups in addition to just trying to put a quality product on the field or court. We can find ourselves being criticized in the media, in chat rooms and even in the local barber shop or grocery store. Our spouses and children sit in the stands and hear the “Monday Morning Quarterbacks” shout out what they would have done in a key situation. With all those things going on, it can be difficult for a coach to keep his or her priorities right and live a “normal life”. Mark Richt, head football coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, puts a high priority on family. His morning staff meetings are late enough so his assistants can help get their kids to school. He plans a Family Night so coaches can bring their families in to have dinner with the players. He schedules lunches with his wife, eats lunch at school with his kids and has dinner with his family in the evening. Coach Richt is a leader of men, teaching his players loyalty, integrity, hard work and honesty. He is also teaching them that real men take care of their family.

There is a saying, “little is much if God is in it”. But the opposite is also true. Much is nothing if God is not in it. Psalm 127:1 reminds us that unless our coaching is directed by the Lord, it is a waste of time and energy. We can have great teams and put up impressive statistics, but unless we “put God in it”, most of what we do is worthless. The coach who lives by God’s standards, enjoys the relationship with his/her spouse and is proud of his children is richly blessed.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of family. Today, give me the wisdom and strength to put You in the middle of the relationships I have with my spouse and children. Help me to focus on the things that will last for eternity. Amen.