Coach’s Corner

I grew up in SC… Mother’s Day usually looks like a much warmer version of Easter. People are dressed in bright colors and enjoying brilliant sunshine. They smile as they think how wonderful the day will be as they enjoy a wonderful morning together in church and then pray that they will be fortunate enough to beat the competing churches to the front of the buffet line for lunch.

THAT DIDN’T LOOK ANYTHING LIKE TODAY IN PEORIA, ILLINOIS.

We awoke to a steady rain and high winds. The temperature was a wet and windy 52, which means it felt much cooler than that. It’s not exactly the kind of day that makes you wake up with a smile on your face. But it was Mother’s Day, so we faked it, minus the bright colors.

In spite of the gloomy weather, it was a wonderful morning in church together. We continued to point out different spiritual gifts. But since this was Mother’s Day, we focused on gifts that mothers seem to have in spades.

1. Teaching - Moms across the world have the important task of distilling tons of necessary information into a usable formula for their children. That’s one of the primary elements of a teaching gift, being able to put necessary knowledge into understandable formats for their student. Whether you’re a mom or someone on God’s team, it’s a high calling to carry out this function.

2. Faith - One of the most enduring pictures most people have in their minds is that of a praying mother. Mother’s have a unique ability to get ahold of God and trust him in circumstances that look hopeless. Lot’s of adults owe their lives to a praying mom. Within the context of God’s team, faith goes a step further and will put themselves at risk because they believe God’s promises. They will take a chance and run the deep route. And when they do, they inspire the rest of the team.

3. Helps - This one comes right out of the Mother’s Playbook. The difference between helps and service is that helps goes much deeper. It not only renders service, it comes alongside and holds up the other person and provides support. And further, there is a mutual exchange between the giver and the receiver that benefits both. What a beautiful picture of moms. But it’s also an awesome role on God’s team. These people become the glue that holds the team together and helps keep everyone strong and connected.

4. Encouragement - Mom’s are the world’s greatest encouragers. Only moms can turn scribbles into world-class art… dribbles off the end of the bat into near home runs… and make-up messes by 7 year old girls into beauty secrets. I believe this is one of the most widely available and under-used gifts on God’s team. Encouragement can often be offered for a cost of less than 60 seconds… but we are far too reluctant to offer it. There is seldom if ever a bad time to receive encouragement, we just need more people willing to offer it. But don’t offer it with the intent to receive back, that becomes flattery. Just give for the sake of giving and helping someone in their day.

Wherever you are today, if you have the ability, make sure you call your mom (mine is in Hawaii today.. I’m thinking of flying out to offer Mother’s Day wishes) and let her know how much you appreciate some of the things she did in the above list. And don’t forget your wife either! That’s right… I’m talking to you!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY