Coronavirus Lessons....One, Two, Three & Four

This has sure been a different time. Our life on earth is so short, we don't have a huge frame of reference for comparison.  For almost all of us, the magnitude of the event makes it new...and seemingly overwhelming.  One thing is certain, the last few weeks have been revealing. As often it works out, much has been learned the hard way. Here are some lessons for me from the past month.

#1: I am embarrassed at my selfishness and stubbornness.  My attitude has not been great when I can't do what I want to do. I have a mixed record, at best, when it comes to taking orders. To be a good citizen and because of the reasons, I am taking those orders. But, in doing so, my attitude is not what it should be. The story goes that in the battle for Scotland's independence, after the battle was won, the Buchanans continued to chase the English just because they wanted to kill more of them. Hopefully we have evolved somewhat.... but I certainly understand that spirit!

 I REALLY want to workout with our players, see my students at school, see our coaches.... I can keep going, and I know everyone else can as well.

#2: Whatever you can get done early, do it. One thing that has paid off is getting things done early. As soon as the season was over, we sent our helmets for reconditioning. We also ordered all of our equipment and we have received everything already. We do spring football as soon as possible. We only got three days, but at least we got those three days. Many schools didn't get any days. As more restrictions are added each day for our safety, anything that needs to be done over the next few weeks, we need to get done now. The time may come that we can get little to nothing accomplished. This event has reinforced for me to get as much work done ahead of time as possible. Much of this goes back to Bill Walsh's Finding the Winning Edge.  The more prep and planning you can do ahead of the performance, the better you will perform.

In regards to my head football coaching job now, I am focused on staying connected to our football family and preparing for the preseason and season. Looking forward helps.  We will come out of this and when we do, I need to be ready to do a great job for our players, coaches and program.

#3: Much of what I took for granted, was great. Sure, I enjoyed school, practice, workouts, my coaches, going to eat at a local restaurant with family & friends, going to church, visiting other coaches and programs, clinics, going across state lines (Gatlinburg, Gulf Shores, Moyers (southern Ohio)), seeing my mom, seeing my father-in-law, etc. But, not like I should have. Wow. The simple things in life are much more a blessing than we realize. God is so good to us, but we are often so busy we miss seeing those blessings. I know I will pay closer attention going forward.... I already am. 

#4: God made us to serve others, and when doing so, we are happiest. By far, the best my attitude has been through this entire ordeal has been when having an opportunity to help & encourage others... even in very small and simple ways. I function best when the news is off. The news is dragging you down... turn it off. Open your Bible.  Try to reach out, check on, and encourage others. Bryan McKenzie with FCA Football has been doing Zoom Conferences for football coaches. Those have been a blessing and an encouragement. 

None of this is earth shattering. But, this event has definitely been an opportunity to hit the reset button and to re-evaluate my relationship with Christ and others. 

Stay safe and know that our best days are ahead of us. 

Psalm 34:1

Hebrews 13:8