I suspect most of you know that I’m a track coach (jumps specifically). Many of you likely don’t know I serve with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Canada. It is a way for me to use my passion for the gospel and love of sports and fitness missionally. In my coaching capacity, we finished last month the high school season here in Ontario with my most successful OFSAA (Ontario high school championships) ever. I had more medals and more medalists than ever before. While I was blessed to achieve this my favorite story was from one of my athletes who made it but did not medal.
Making a choice
Last year I had a parent approach me and ask if I would coach her daughter. I was told by those in my organization she ‘was not good enough for my group’. I looked at her performance numbers and understood where they were coming from as I only have a limited number of spots available for athletes. Yet I’ve never been purely about numbers. Rather I seek to develop great people (and successful athletes too). I use something called the 3D coaching methodology I teach as part of my ministry with FCA Canada.
Her goal was to make it to OFSAA in her final year of school, a goal which was a stretch, but I could see potential in her. As we began our journey together, I began to realize just what a great person she was. She was an encourager, always cheering on her better teammates, reassuring those who were struggling and generally bringing light to every training session. She was also involved in her school and community serving in lots of capacities. This young lady was letting her light shine.
As we began to work together, she trusted the process and did what was necessary for her to be positioned to achieve her goal. I’m happy to report that she accomplished this, qualifying for OFSAA. This was a thrill for both of us. But that’s not why I’m sharing this story. Right before the championship meet, it was announced that she had been selected to receive the OFSSA Character Athlete award. This award is given to only to two male and two female recipients who embody OFSAA’s values. These are leadership, commitment, equity, respect and sportsmanship across all sports, all year, encompassing thousands of athletes. I was so happy she was recognized for this and proud of her.
Test your actions
Paul wrote this in Galatians: “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else,” I am reminded by this to not judge someone by past accomplishments. Don’t be influenced by well-meaning people who don’t share the same values. I was also reminded to be clear on what I hope to accomplish in and through my coaching. This has translated into my work with FCA Canada. I remember to be clear and stay true to what God is calling us to do as a ministry as we go through a time of transition. Finally, this athlete came to me, I did not ask her to join. But then I leaned into the challenge of helping her achieve her goals.
What’s the lesson here for all of us? We often do not seek roles or challenges that come our way. Rather than seeing them as a problem, why not lean into the opportunity? When we seek to engage, equip and empower those around us we transform the world around them for Jesus. This starts though with transforming ourselves. I hope what I experienced encourages and challenges you to look at the challenges and opportunities before you heading into summer.
Rather than seeing a problem – lean into the opportunity to transform the world of those around you for Jesus.
