Contentment
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.” – Philippians 4:11 You may think the grass is greener on the other side, but if you take the time to water your own grass, it would be just as green. It’s a natural part of the coaching profession to be in search of bigger and better opportunities. In order to move up the coaching ladder, we’re always in search of “greener grass.” Sometimes however, we get ahead of ourselves in the process.
New Beginings
“Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14 There is something magical about the beginning of a new season of Major League baseball. Stadiums are packed with enthusiastic fans. Memories of days gone by are relived as former greats throw out the first pitch. Gone are the ...
Focus
“One thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14 As competitors, it is critical that we maintain our focus. All too often, we have watched coaches and athletes become content with past accomplishment. It is so easy to think that we have “arrived.” Media experts are always predicting the outcome of the coming season.
Strength through Weakness
“My grace is sufficient for you for power is perfected in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 Our lives can change in an instant! Though consumed with our coaching responsibilities, life continues to happen around us. We tragically lose players and coaching friends to accidents or illness.
Knuckleballs & Knuckleheads
“I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our course.” – Jeremiah 10:23 In the game of baseball, the knuckleball is probably the hardest to pitch, hit and catch. The pitcher doesn’t know where it’s going when he throws it; the hitter has difficulty adjusting to the ball’s random movement; and the poor catcher can only try his best to knock it down as it crosses the plate.
Impact
“I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received.” – Ephesians 4:1 “I have come to a frightening realization. I am the decisive element on the field, court of track. It is my personal approach that creates the climate for learning and personal performance.
What makes you get up in the morning?
“I no longer live, but Christ in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20 What really gets you up in the morning? What powers you through a busy day of work, responsibility and challenges?
What do you make?
“Care for the flock that God has entrusted you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.
Why?
“Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” – Matthew 5:16 Taking inventory is something we do often as coaches. Typically when we think of taking inventory, we’re talking about team equipment. How many basketballs need to be ordered for the season?
Anger
"David had just said, “I guarded everything that belonged to this man in the wilderness for nothing. He was not missing anything, yet he paid me back evil for good. May God punish me, and even more if I let any of his men survive until morning.” – 1 Samuel 25:21-22 What causes you to get angry?
Fix Your Eyes
“Therefore since we also have such a large crowd of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and sin that easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us,keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne." –Hebrews 12:1-2 As coaches, we’re always talking to our athletes about the need to focus. Baseball coaches...
Whatever it Takes
“Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go.” – Ruth 1:16 The match with our cross-town rival was going to be intense. The teams were evenly matched and it would take our best effort to get the victory.
AVAILABLE NOW!
New Devotion by Charles Gee
All coaches understand the call to “Huddle Up.” Though not everyone coaches on the field, court, or diamond, most of us gather to share ideas, address challenges, or plan strategies. In the corporate world, it’s a staff meeting. In the military, a briefing. When parents want to clear the air, it’s a family conference. We’re all coaching in some way, and there will always be a time to “Huddle Up.”
The Christ- centered principles in these studies help coaches and competitors reconnect, refocus, and reboot to meet daily challenges.
Charles Gee is Chaplain for the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association and has served with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for over 15 years. Drawing from personal coaching experiences, he writes weekly devotions encouraging coaches to use their platform to impact lives for Jesus Christ (scfcacoaches.org). A retired Master Sergeant from the U.S. Army Reserves, Charles lives in Mt. Pleasant, SC, with Kathy, his wife of 52 years. He has two sons, Jeff and Chris, two daughters- in-law, Kristin and Megan, and three amazing, competitive grandchildren.