I spent the week-end in Lynchburg, Va. at the Mid-Atlantic Wings ‘n Things Coaches Clinic. Cecil Phillips did a great job putting on the clinic for us! What was special to me was that I got to spend time getting to know 2 of my new assistant coaches who attended with me. We had a 3 1/2 hour drive going up on Friday so I asked them to take as much as an hour (if they needed it) and just share their “story” with me. It was great! I then took my turn at sharing after both of them were done. As much time as you’re going to spend with your coaches, I think it’s important to know about them as “people” too!
What I shared as I told my life story was some of my core values. What do I mean… by core values? In an ever-changing world they are principles that should govern our life. Core values explain why you do the things you do, and what you stand for. They are not just business or coaching strategies, cultural norms or responses to changes in society. Core values are non-negotiables that dictate how you live your life. Most people want to operate from a firm set of values. However, trying to live that way is more challenging than you think. Take a minute and set this reading aside and get a pen and a piece of paper. Now, write down your core values. I’ll wait….
For most people, it’s a stunning realization that they may not actually know what their core values are! My hope is that you’ll be challenged to explore and integrate your core values into your daily life. The Bible says: “Be doers of the Word and not hearers only.” What we truly believe determines how we act and manifests itself in our daily routine.
I’ve heard it said, “If you don’t STAND for something, you’ll fall for anything!” A lot of wisdom there— for young and old! Knowing our core values and living by them are keys to personal satisfaction. There may be times when we are challenged about what we believe; but it’s a small price to pay to keep our personal integrity.
My Dad died in 1976 at the age of 56. I was in my late 20’s and was just beginning to know him from a “man to man” perspective. I always loved him and admired him because he was my Dad! I realized as my Mom and I cleaned out his office WHY I admired him so much. He had a sign hanging over his office door that Mom said he read every day. He lived by this saying. It goes:
“The man who cannot settle in his mind where he should stand,
but merely stays astride the fence, is certain in the end to prove himself of little worth to either side.
But he alone will be of value who, though sometimes pressure may be brought to bear,
knows in his heart where he should stand and then,
despite the consequence, stands firmly there.”
That was it! That was my Dad. That’s how he lived his life. A life of honor and integrity. A man of his word. I knew right then that it was what was missing in my life. I chose that day to follow that saying… well, to emulate my Dad. I asked Mom if I could have the sign with the slogan on it for my office. To this day it hangs over my office door as a reminder of what my core values are and how I must be true to them.
My life is committed to Jesus Christ and living the kind of life that is pleasing to Him. Jesus said: “Go and make disciples.” It wasn’t a request… it was a command. It’s brought some “heat” at times in my life but it’s all been worth it. My goal is to stand before the throne of God one day and hear the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and enter into your rest… with Me!”
Know what your core values are and then dedicate your life to living them. Remember: you never know when little eyes are watching you. Values, for the most part, aren’t taught— they’re caught! As a coach or as a Dad, you’re kids are watching you; evaluating you; emulating you. How you act around them is what they learn that you stand for. Attitudes are contageous. Are yours worth catching?!
In Christ,
Lew
