Put me in coach
Last week, Brandon Valley Schools celebrated Homecoming, which consisted of a whole range of different activities and ways to show our Lynx school spirit. Homecoming is much different than what I remember from my old high school days and that is probably for the better. Snake dances through the streets probably were just asking for trouble. Everybody had a role to play in the week-long celebration, I’m even told that Spartan Spirit from Saturday Night Live showed up at Coronation. My hope is that this will be an every year addition. Whether it was a mother wearing the Lynx mascot at the soccer game, parents setting up the set for the marching band or the students themselves putting on great performances on the courts and fields, everyone had a special role. It reminded me of what St. Paul says to the Ephesians, “I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
God has said we all have a role to play, not just in homecoming week, but each day. How do we embrace and respond to that calling? How do we live it with humility? Not just winning a decisive football game but all the while helping the other players up after they are knocked to the ground, shaking hands once the final whistle blows, and recognizing the positive plays the opposing team made on the field. How do we live that call by bearing with one another? Perhaps it is by encouraging the other cross country runners we are racing against, whether part of our team or another, even if we are passing them as we run up Mount McHardy - bearing the same sideache, while also out of breath. How do we live that call with patience? As the homecoming game was coming to a close, many of the players who are not the starters got a chance to make it onto the field and show that they, too, know the plays, can make great tackles and are capable of running the football. There was one player in particular who the middle and intermediate students particularly wanted to get into the game. As the fourth quarter clock continued to tick, the students began chanting for their favorite player to be put into the game! Put him in coach! Soon enough, he made it onto the field. I noticed another young man, waiting patiently for his time to shine. I also witnessed his family, on the edge of their seats hoping his name to be called to go onto the field. As he ran to his position, the family cheered, gave high fives and fist pumps! One play. The young man played one play but to the family and to this player, he had just won the game. What a beautiful sight to see.
We all have a role to play in this life, called by God. How will we play that role? Hopefully with humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another all in a bond of peace. The attention might be on us for an entire song as we play that solo, as the volleyball libero plays nearly every position and minute of the match, or in just one play from scrimmage. Play as to win the race – following your call.
