As Mother Nature works her magic once again this spring, the flowers bloom, the birds sing, and the warm weather returns. The change of seasons and the impending finish of the school year will bring many of us to visions of a warm beach, days at the pool, or a morning to sleep in. The joy that summer will soon bring is met with great anticipation, and in many cases, rightfully so.
Adults look forward to a change of pace as do our student-athletes. As a history teacher and football coach it is difficult not to recognize the shifting attitudes many young people have at this time of the year. My grave concern is that many of our kids are wishing their lives away.
With age comes wisdom. The older we grow, the more we come to appreciate the life we have been given and the precious few opportunities it affords. Many of us are familiar with the following quote… “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, so live in the present.”
Some have come to call each new day the “Precious Present” because it truly is a gift. As coaches we have a responsibility to model great behavior and share the Good News. Our days are not given to be wasted, but rather as a gift to be lived to the fullest!
If we spend our days consistently asking questions like… Is it the end of the year yet? When will Friday get here? How much longer do I have to deal with this? What message will our athletes receive?
The following is a familiar and appropriate scripture passage that addresses this concern… “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” (1Corinthians 9:24)
So are you running to win? Are you running at all? Are you even in the race? An attitude of determination, gratitude, and enthusiasm will have a positive impact on those around you.
Take time this day to send the message that the lethargy and lack of self-discipline this world promotes is not one that will help your athletes reach their earthly goals, much less their eternal ones. May each of us take advantage of our blessings by giving our very best this day!
Today presents an outstanding opportunity to improve yourself as well as your student-athletes. Don’t look now, but summer will soon be here, and each of us should be better men for it.
God Bless,
Todd Naumann
History Teacher – Moeller High School
Associate Head Football Coach/Defensive Coordinator – Covington Catholic High School
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