“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
– Colossians 3:12

Influence.  As coaches we have it.  The critical question that each of us must answer is, “How are we using it?”  I ran across an article recently titled, “Encouraging Coaches”, which recognized several coaches who have had a lasting influence on their athletes.  In one of these stories, Darryll Canida said his basketball coach, Mark Campbell, changed his life.  Canida left an abusive father and Coach Campbell did his best to guide him during that difficult time.  Canida said, “Coach Campbell taught me more than the game of basketball, he taught me about the game of life.”  Coach Campbell always made time for Canida and other on the team, even though he had a wife and four children of his own.  “He took me to church, college basketball games, dinners with his family, and loved me when I didn’t feel lovable.”

Coach Campbell has coached over thirty years and won state tournaments and championships, but the opportunity to be a positive role model and help steer young people in the right direction is what means the most to him.  “You never know what impact you have at the time”, said Campbell.  Darryll Canida went on to get a Master’s degree and is now a middle school coach.  “I am the man I am today because God put Coach Campbell in my life.”  Our challenge is to clothe ourselves with the compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience modeled by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit can use us to change lives too!  Are YOU up to the challenge?

Heavenly Father, you have called me to coach.  What a gift and what a responsibility.  Guide my steps today as I strive to be a positive influence in the lives of others.  Amen.