Coaching Football's "Little Things"

A lot of you have started practice this week… and the rest of you will most likely start next week. It’s that times, guys, when your annual “life make-over” begins— and runs for the next 3-4 months! Your attitude is going to have a tremendous impact on how these next few months go for you, your team and your family.

Have you ever watched someone learning to get around on crutches? What a struggle! Sometimes you find them trying to balance on one leg, or resting a hundred feet down the street, their hands raw and sore. Leaning on crutches can be exhausting. So can leaning on your own understanding of your circumstances.

IF… you want things to go badly for you— exclude God! Try working things out using only your own best judgment. When you hit a brick wall (and I promise that you WILL at least once this season!), try something else. When that way gets you nowhere, resort to logic… then panic! The truth is: some of us act like we’re addicted to anxiety.

We’ve been living this way so long, we’re not capable of seeing it or acknowledging it. When one worry is gone we put another one in its place. We have a line of them at our door, because the sign reads: “All welcome!” It’s like we enjoy entertaining them. But Jesus said that they’re a waste of time and energy. HERE’S THE KEY: They keep you so focused on what you think you need, or what you’re afraid of losing, that you don’t have time to enjoy what you have. Guys, that’s no way to live!

Instead of worrying, begin living this season by this Bible verse: a) “Don’t worry about anything.” b) “Pray and ask God for everything you need.” c) “Always give thanks.” d) “God’s peace… will keep your hearts and minds” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Go ahead— try God’s way!