Run to Win!

Alright, I have to tell it. I help coach my son's youth football team, which is a privilege, an honor, and a blessing. It is also quite a commitment that lasts over four (4) months. But, what a great opportunity to try to pour into these young boys, not just to play football, but how to treat others, the power of teamwork, the desire to persevere.

Our team struggled last year, going 0 - 8. Now, this happens in youth football because of the age brackets - one (1) year you could be the youngest team, the next the older. But, we didn't have a lot going for us last season but we kept reminding the boys that we weren't losing, we were learning. And, at their ages, they don't really think about winning and losing, they are playing a game. But, we kept trying to build on fundamentals and perseverance.

Today's word is 1 Corinthians 9:24, NLT, which reads, "Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!"

So, we began this season with a group of young men that worked hard, tried hard, and were willing to learn. We pushed and taught and worked hard. We won our first seven (7) games, two (2) in overtime and one (1) 6 -0, so nothing came easy, but, we stood at 7 - 0. Quite an accomplishment for a winless team last year. Then, we faced the undefeated, best team in the league, and they beat us 28 - 12, which was tough but not detrimental. We were in the playoffs.

In the semifinals of the playoffs, we faced a team that had lost two (2) games by a total of four (4) points. We fought for a 32 - 26 overtime victory, which gave us a chance to face the team that had defeated us in the regular season. We spent last week preparing, encouraging, challenging the kids to face the giant, to stand bold, to be fearless and courageous. And, they did, winning the league championship Saturday 18 - 12! It is a season they will never forget, and neither will I. Run to win!

Be Blessed,
Mickey T