The Last Four Months

The horn sounded for the final time. Another basketball season has come to an end. It is a strange feeling of sadness and relief. Had you asked me four months ago when it all began, I would have told you I couldn't wait for it to end. But last night as I sent my girls home for the last time, I wish we had more time.

In the fall I received an email asking if I would coach the girls JV basketball team at CCHS because my sister didn't have the time this season. I prayed about it for a week or so and, needless to say, my answer was yes. I've been an assistant coach for softball and basketball before, but never have I shouldered sole responsibility for a team. This was a new experience and I was quite nervous. My nerves were not settled by the team's lack of commitment in November. After a practice where only two of my fourteen girls showed, I sat in my car completely discouraged and on the verge of tears. Enter December and the contracts. Once each girl signed a commitment contract, knowing absences would effect their grade and playing time, they all began to show up to practice.

After that, the daily lesson of patience really kicked in. I was one coach to fourteen girls, fourteen different personalities, who didn't all get along with each other. Last season there were two of us to nine girls, so this was quite an adjustment. If not for the grace of God, I'm not sure I could have survived it. Don't believe me? Feel free to ask any of my girls. I'm sure even the varsity players could vouch for me on this. However, I did survive and there were no more tears, maybe some frustrations, but it seemed no matter how upset I was one of them would always crack me up and that was the end of it. That is the stuff I'll miss: the endless laughter, the dancing during warm-ups (even when I told them to stop), the air ball push ups, the "Bacon" shooting competitions, and, of course, ultimate lightning. I would be remiss if I didn't tell you we finished league 5-5. Last season we never won a game, didn't even come close. There is nothing like the excitement of my girls after a win.

The winning meant nothing, though, without the attitude. I can't tell you what a blessing it has been to watch these girls grow up in the last four months. Even in the worst of losses, they never quit. They played with heart and heads held high from tip off to final buzzer. That is what makes me most proud to be their coach. There was nothing more I could ask of them then to give their best. Such willing hearts. I learned from them every day we were together and I hope in return they learned from me.

In the beginning I longed for the end, but now I want more time. I will forever be grateful for the impact that fourteen goofy girls had on my life. I don't know what the Lord's plan is for next season, but if I never coach again I think I can say this was a great ending.

The Future Is The Present

So this is the New Year and I don't feel any different - Death Cab for Cutie

Here we are, 2011. Every new year I make resolutions of a new me and every new year I fail at whatever goals I have set. This year is much the same, however, this year I have an answer to failure: support. So many times I fail or give up because I'm in it alone, but 2011 is different. I have found the support and accountability that I've needed to succeed in multiple aspects of my life.

This year, I desire to know my Jesus more. The Lord has placed some amazing people in my life that hold me accountable and encourage me which is definitely something I had been lacking. It doesn't make life perfect or easy, but it is a blessing. I am in a Bible study group with some truly awesome women who love Jesus which encourages me to dig deeper every day. I know that God is continually working in my life and changing my heart. My prayer for this year is that if I am to fail at everything else, let me succeed in this area of my life.

The second big resolution is one you may have heard from me before. It is time to get healthy and in shape, that means shedding some pounds. I know I have to be serious about this because the older I get, the harder it is to drop the weight. Thankfully I am not flying solo on this mission. Along for the ride are a few friends with the same goal, but who also need some encouragement and accountability in their quest. There isn't much to say about this other than I AM COMMITTED.

Some of my other resolutions this year will most likely be covered in future posts, but here is a small list: read more, write more, complain less. Now that you know my resolutions, feel free to hold me accountable. What do you want in this New Year?