Care for the flock that God has entrusted to 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 it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example
And when the Good Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
– 1 Peter 5:2-4

Never doubt the impact and influence you have as a coach. The world sees us teaching a game, but it’s about so much more. The following story from Joe Ehrmann’s book InsideOut Coaching, How Sports Can Transform Lives, says it well.

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing sports, education and life. A successful businessman decided to explain the problem of education. He argued, “What’s a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher-coach?” He reminded the other dinner guests what is often said about teachers, “Those who can, do; those who can’t teach.” To stress his point he said to another guest, “You’re a teacher and coach Bob, be honest. What do you make?” Bob, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness, replied, “You want to know what I make? I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make them push through self-imposed limitations, athletically and academically. I make them strive together and for each other. You want to know what I make? I make boys into men. I make them question. I make them self-critique. I make them aware of their social responsibility to build a better world. I make them competitive and teach them how to win with humility and lose with honor. I make them understand that if you follow your heart and someone ever tries to judge you by what you make, you must pay no attention because they just don’t get it.” Bob paused and then continues, “You want to know what I make? I make a difference! What do you make?”

Heavenly Father, thank you for putting me in a position to make a difference in the lives of others. Give me the wisdom and strength to be a positive example in the lives of those I influence. Help me understand the incredible responsibility that goes with the title, Coach. Amen.