“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
– 2 Corinthians 5:17

As we begin another new year, I find myself thinking of the many opportunities we as coaches have to start fresh. Each season brings new players, new chemistry, new goals, and new experiences. No matter how long we have been coaching, there is something that stirs in us as new seasons approach. We have a chance to leave the previous season behind. Maybe we lost more games than we won, the team didn’t gel like we thought it would, injuries crippled the team or maybe we fell short of our preseason goals. That’s in the past. We’re excited about what the new season can bring and can’t wait to get started!

In our scripture, Paul reminds us that when we give our lives to Christ, we can put our past behind us and live in a new way. We actually become a new creation and are no longer judged by the same standards. When Christ is in us, we begin to think less about how others see us and more about how God sees us. Our surrender to Christ, allows us to be “born again” into a new life. We can bury the disappointments and failures of our past and start a new journey of obedience to our Lord and Savior. That too should excite us! If you haven’t made the decision to follow Christ, what are you waiting for? If you have made the decision to follow Christ, but aren’t sharing the opportunity with those you love and care about, what’s holding you back?

Thank You Father for being a God of new beginnings. As another year approaches, help me to live it for You. Amen.