“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” — Proverbs 22:6
I have had the pleasure of coaching grade school basketball, middle school and high school football, and college tennis.
Maturity and sound training by parents was an obvious benefit to many of my athletes. I clearly remember one boy as a seventh grader. His talent and leadership placed him at the very top. So, I wasn’t surprised to find out later that he made the all-state high school football team.
His father was a successful lawyer who took the time to pray and love all of his children. Following our school sports banquet, he thanked me for speaking about the athletes’ commitment to academics and balance with football. I told him that his work at home made my job a breeze.
If you are struggling with spending time with your children, or if you think it isn’t needed or appreciated, let me encourage you to make every effort to spend time on your knees in prayer — and then in the backyard with them.
Your good works will be rewarded.
— Paul Kelly
OneCoach, part of the Sports Spectrum Network, is an international community of coaches and spouses who have been uniquely gifted and called by God. Visit OneCoach.org for more stories and videos.
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