Sharon Sloan

Delighted by His Word. Dependent on His Grace.

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What Matters Most

November 1, 2009 | 7 Comments



“…train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
1 Timothy 4:7-8

Joshua’s team has one more football game left this season. We are very proud of Joshua for how well he has done his first (long-awaited) year of playing tackle football. All of the players have done very well. They’d like to have a few more wins in the records books, but they have shown a lot of strength and growth.

Earlier this week, the team received an e-mail from the head coach. It’s just the type of e-mail a parent, especially a praying parent, wants to receive. We are thankful to the Lord for faithfully guiding us to the exact team He wanted our family to be part of this year. We are so thankful for the work He is doing in Joshua’s heart through football. Training in godliness: that was our greatest prayer. Here’s the e-mail:
“We had a challenging loss yesterday. While our record is disappointing, I believe it is important to focus on and reinforce to our young players, the many positives that are more meaningful in the long run.

+We have a terrific group of boys on our team that work very hard all game long and conduct themselves with great sportsmanship.
+They are becoming better football players each week.
+They treat each other with respect. I have not seen any players blaming each other or pointing out errors. That is the spirit of team that we will continue to reinforce.
+We have seen incredible improvement from our many first year players as well as returning players.
+They are staying positive and having fun.
+We only had three substitutes yesterday so each and every player was tired but continued to fight against a team that was bigger, stronger and has been together since the 70 pound level – three to four seasons.

Our boys play with pride and sportsmanship and act like quality young men which we will continue to celebrate and reinforce. We have two more games, two more opportunities to fight hard, and two more opportunities to win. More importantly, we have the opportunity to continue to teach football and life skills.

This e-mail brought tears of thankfulness to my eyes. We are so thankful Joshua is able to be part of a team with excellent coaches and wonderful young men. (And the best “Team Medic” — Daddy!)

As I have said before, I am not much of a competitor, so winning doesn’t mean much to me personally. But this cheering mom would love Joshua and his teammates to be encouraged by a win on the scoreboard. Perhaps next week’s last game. But win or lose on the scoreboard, I know our son and his teammates are winning where it matters most: in strength of character and as friends.
Go Lions!
“So we make it our goal to please Him…”
2 Corinthians 5:9
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Filed Under: Joy in the Truth

Comments

  1. Unknown says

    October 30, 2009 at 3:13 pm

    AMEN!

    They are winning where it counts the most – hearts strengthened in HIM!

    Love it! Cheering them onto the goal in Christ Jesus!

    Hugs and love,
    Jill

    Reply
  2. Wendy Blight says

    November 1, 2009 at 2:36 am

    Wow, Sharon, these words bless my heart so much. We hear so many negative things about this generation of kids. I lOVE reading stories like yours where not only are adults teaching character, but they are modeling it to this generation. Coaches across America need to read your blog today!!!

    These coaches are living out God's Truth:

    "…train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." 1 Timothy 4:7-8.

    I pray God's favor over the team and much success for the rest of the season.

    Wendy

    Love you,

    Wendy

    Reply
  3. Sharon Sloan says

    November 1, 2009 at 7:48 am

    Thanks, Wendy! I LOVE that scripture. I am updating this post, hopefully, with pictures and that scripture! Love you! 🙂

    Reply
  4. Toia says

    November 1, 2009 at 10:56 pm

    Wow!! That was such a powerful email. I can see why you were so touched. Have a bless week!!

    Reply
  5. Mary Moss says

    November 3, 2009 at 12:57 am

    It is truly a blessing to have your son involved in a team led by such a wonderful man!

    Our son was on a Little League team for 3 years with 2 men who were good and strong, encouragers and role models for him and the other boys on the team.

    It makes such a difference!

    Reply
  6. Edie says

    November 3, 2009 at 1:27 am

    Ah what a precious little football player you have there. I love the encouraging words from the coach. Character building is SO important.

    Rich blessings!

    Reply
  7. Amy says

    November 3, 2009 at 3:26 am

    I just want to restate what is seems you already know.. My son (now 20 years old) played tackle football from 6 years old until graduating high school. He was a good player, recieved a few awards but nothing made me prouder than when he decided to turn down a football scholarship (to a 2 yr college) because he feel God calling him to preach. There are may lessons he learned from each team, each game and each coach. May God continue to bless your family with the coaches that point your som to the true prize.

    Reply

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