As a new t-ball coach, the lessons of coaching come in different ways. Although this is my second year working with the young boys, I still have lots to learn. Lessons such as: just because you tell a five year-old to, “get ready,” that does not mean he will realize the ball might be coming to him; or saying, “keep your eye on the ball,” does not equate to a boy’s ability to swing a bat while keeping his head down when hitting a ball off the tee; or trying to keep their attention on the game even though the players are only focused on what flavor snow cone they will get following the game. Such are the joys of coaching.
One lesson I particularly find difficult is how to help the boys remained focused on running all the way to the base. Instinctively, many of them want to watch the location of the ball that they hit rather than run straight to the base. I am grateful that I have yet to lose my voice while shouting, “RUN!!!!!” above the roar of the crowd. Maybe I should appreciate that all the players at least know the right direction to run.
If you spend any time around the ballpark, either as a player or as a parent or as a general spectator, you will inevitably hear the phrase, “Run it out.” Often this phrase comes as a command from the coach because he believes a player is giving less than full effort on a play. Whether in little league t-ball or major league all-stars, the tendency to not run it out plagues a lot of people. Sometimes the player senses the play is over or that their additional effort is useless. Yet, as even the casual observer witnesses, there are times that the extra effort could have resulted in a favorable outcome because the other team bobbles the ball. As a coach, I will never get onto a player when he gives it his best; only when he did not run it out do I get a little upset.
The summer months around the church result in a good number of programs taking some much needed time off. Our leaders, teachers, and volunteers do a great deal of work throughout the year so it is nice to get a break from the constant programming. However, a good number of programs remain active. Our choir members still practice each week, our youth program still meets on Sunday nights, and even our children’s ministry plans for perhaps the biggest event of the year, Vacation Bible School.
I am thankful that so many quality leaders help to give organization to these areas and others. Without their determination, even when it would be easy to close shop for a while, they remain focused at the task at hand. With that, I want to act as a coach to our church for a moment and say to everyone, RUN IT OUT! Don’t let the summer days distract you from our mission to make disciples for Jesus Christ.
We need a good number of people to step up and serve in various capacities for our Vacation Bible School. Last year we had nearly 60 children participate throughout the week. This year we are hoping for that many and then some, but we cannot minister to them without your help. Take a look at the needs list found inside the newsletter and see where you might be able to contribute toward those much-needed resources. However, the most important resource that money cannot purchase is your personal support serving as a teacher, small group leader, snack server, or even all-around hug giver to children that need to know they are loved by us and by God.
Team, do not let up during a time when our efforts can make the most impact for God’s Team. The author of Hebrews says, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out before us.” In other words, God is telling us to run it out. We do it not just for ourselves but also for the team.
I look forward to worshipping with you at the fortitude-developing place on Sunday.
Travis
