For those of us from the 60’s Generation, the anthem blared loudly: “I can’t get no… du du du… satisfaction!” Kudo’s to Mick and the Stones. (Does it bother you (like it does me) to see 80 year old men on stage singing rock ‘n roll… like they’re still in their 20’s??!!!)
Most of my coaching friends who read this blog have finished their football season. For those few of you who are “still in the hunt!”— good luck and go all the way!!! For those who have finished their season, I want to give you something to ponder: If money or fame (or… in our case, a state championship or even a winning season!) guaranteed happiness, then why do rich and famous people commit suicide??? History proves that they are not necessarily happy… nor satisfied. Happy people don’t follow money or fame, they follow their God-given passion.
In What Happy People Know, Dan Baker writes: “The man in front of me seemed to have it all: money, freedom, friends and family. But he didn’t have the one thing he wanted most— happiness. His home life would horrify most people–alienated kids, a wife who resented his obsession with (coaching) work, no time to kick back.” What was this man’s biggest concern? Getting what he didn’t have.
Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “Yeah, Lew, but that doesn’t apply to me. In his situation (a state championship or two!), I know I could be happy!” No, money… fame… success can’t buy happiness; regardless of how much you have. It’s simply never enough!!! Fear (that insidious little voice) will always whisper, “Unless you get more wins; more championships, you won’t be secure.”
So…. what’s the secret of happiness?
Paul writes in the Bible: “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing (a 1 and 9 season!) or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it’s with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength.” (Phil. 4:11-13). When you pursue God’s purpose for your life, money and fame are secondary. Your real status symbols are salvation, spiritual growth, a secure home, special friends and… the satisfaction of doing what God has called you to do. I have shared with many groups that my greatest thrill in coaching is that 7 of my former players are in full-time Christian ministry throughout the country. My desire for them to “see Jesus in me” was, I hope, a spark that propelled them toward living a life that is pleasing to God.
What’s your purpose in coaching?!
