Seeking God on Friday
My Dad’s first love in sports has always been football but like most Indiana boys he also loved to play basketball. Coach Wooden told Dad that he would gladly welcome any football player to try out for the Indiana State basketball team after the football season was completed. Dad was delighted and showed up at the gym as soon as he hung up his cleats and shoulder pads for the season. According to my father, he played hard and held his own with the other hardwood hopefuls. The Coach even commended Dad for his hustle and work ethic; but unfortunately, when the final squad was announced his name wasn’t on the list. Dad remembered Coach Wooden graciously thanking all of the young men who came out for the team and wished them well with words of encouragement and challenge.
“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” (John Wooden)
In spite of his disappointment he left that experience with an increased fondness for Coach Wooden. Dad reflected upon how the Coach never raised his voice, never allowed swearing, never permitted show boating or cockiness, always maintained control in practice, always spoke kindly even when dispensing correction, always was well prepared, and often quoted Scripture or made reference to God when addressing the athletes. Coach Wooden seemed more like a life coach, my Dad noted. “He was guiding young men to pursue those things in life that were most important.
“Material possessions, winning scores, and great reputations are meaningless in the eyes of the Lord, because He knows what we really are and that is all that matters.” (John Wooden)
Hearing the excitement in Dad’s voice and seeing the glow in his face as he went down memory lane with John Wooden caused me to take some up close and personal inventory of my own life. What kind of lasting impression do I leave with people, if any? Is it all about me or are people encouraged in their life because of how I’ve interacted with them? What do people really see and hear in your life?
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)