Wednesday Wisdom 🙂
Inspiration for today’s post comes from the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Matthew 18.
If a man has 100 sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the 99 on the mountains and go in search of the 1 that went astray?
Do you remember a time in your youth when you felt as though you fell through the cracks? Perhaps you got lost in a sea of faces in school — wondering if your classmates or teachers even knew you were there. Or, maybe you showed up for sports practice everyday longing for support and inspiration, but left feeling invisible.
I think that honest reflection brings each one of us a memory of feeling lost.
A time when it seemed that we were invisible.
A moment when we craved acceptance but our hearts felt alone and hollow.
As a coach, I try to intentionally reach for the kids that feel as though they fall through the cracks. I have a goal of finishing every practice having offered at least one happy thought or word of inspiration to each of my swimmers. I have high expectations for my athletes, but there is a sea of love that sits right underneath the discipline that I ask for as we travel the journey together. I aspire to seek out each swimmer – in a positive way – every single day.
If they gain nothing else from practice that day, at least they will go home feeling like they matter.
This year, our team began a new tradition of sharing both a character lesson and a daily devotion before diving into the water for practice. I have 40 regular swim team practices during the summer months — 40 chances to help the 42 athletes realize that true strength comes when we simultaneously radiate kindness while also displaying personal toughness and tenacity through athletic competition. I love this new tradition as it starts our time together as a team centering our hearts on God and focusing our minds on ways to pack our faith to compete with grace.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep reminds me that God is always seeking us. Understanding that He is longing for a loving relationship with us helps to battle the lonely feelings and empty hearts that may threaten our daily peace. The more time that I spend with teenagers, the more I believe that this message plays a critical role in the mental wellbeing of our kids.
We live in a broken world. The news reminds us daily of suicides and school shootings. Additionally, current culture entices our kids away from faith and family, and into the the disturbing world of cyberspace. My favorite farmer and I have spent countless hours talking about how we can help to change the reality of teenage life in 2018. Many of our discussions result in an impasse where we are left with more questions and very few answers. But a lack of easy answers is no reason to not engage.
Start with what you can impact.
This is what I tell myself daily. What child can I help today? Who feels lost?
I am reminded of a mantra that I learned many years ago as a member of the Daughter’s of the King.
I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, by the grace of God I will do. Lord, what will you have me do?
This summer I am trying my best to live out these words. To listen to God and help to bring his love to the athletes that come to me for guidance. Together we can create a culture where everyone has a place and no one feels alone. As we huddle up each day at the start of practice we seal the cracks ensuring that no one will fall through…
Feed Yard Foodie 
Another great post, Anne! I have come to believe that the voice of God comes to us in many different ways. Certainly one of the ways needs to be through parents, teachers, coaches and other adults the young people look up to. I believe that a child’s image of God is in fact their parents. If they experience parents that encourage, listen, nurture and participate in their lives they will be on the right track to becoming mentally, physically, and spiritually healthy adults. Unfortunately this isn’t the view/experience many kids get.
I am hopeful though. I think many more adults ( young and old) are seeing how important it is to be a positive, caring role model. I know I have changed a lot since I first became a father and even a grandfather. Some of that change is due to your influence, Anne! Thankyou for what you do! I am so glad our lives intersected. Keep up the good work!
I assume there must be days when you wonder, become a little disillusioned, or disappointed. I know your faith and relationship with God is strong and will carry you through but always remember your family and others who love you do so because of the love you pour out.
Thank you, Anne for being you! 😊
Thank you, Roger! I very much appreciate your support 🙂 I hope that folks find my weekly posts inspiring — together we all make a difference.
One of the things that Matt and I often talk about are the kids who come from broken homes — who do not have the benefit of two loving parents — how do we help them to find their place in the world? Somehow, we all need to come together to “fill in the cracks” so that all kids can learn how to have healthy, loving relationships and find purpose with their lives. This dilemma will require lots of intentionally and care to fix. We need to come together to work as a team to be successful!
I hope that all is well in Iowa!
Anne
Backstrokers are normally ignored in a swimming practice. They are just so weird. All that air they breathe. It’s unnatural. 🙂
Perhaps, Bill — but they are good thinkers and their patient hearts make them good teammates 🙂