Using God's Gift in any situation( or sport)

Playing basketball and getting to coach it has left opportunities to have an impact on others. Though I am not the ideal christain and I certainly fall short of the glory of God (as we all do..I have a saying "we all fall short..some just fall a little shorter") but it is easy to use our talents and gifts to glorify and exemplify God and his love. Sadly it has taken me about 5 years to use my love of basketball as a tool for God. My first year out of High School I had ( and currently have) the opportunity to assist coaching for a christain middle school basketball team. I knew I would have to watch myself and not fall back on bad habits because I was dealing with kids who I know learn about and know Christ. This had me thinking. What is so different about these kids and any other kids I play against? I should be setting and example nomatter who I play against or deal with. But coaching these kids has been a humbling expeirence and a growing one. Before I would argue about a bad call or curse when I was frustrated nomatter who was around. Now I have more self control and respect. These kids need an example on and off the court. We haven't won a game yet and we are well into the season, but that's okay. As long as the kids are learning and enjoying it, that is all that matters. The key is not to get to frustrated with them or give up on them, because that is the last thing they need. I had a coach say to me once, " The reason I yell at you is because I know you can do better, and if I didn't yell at you and just let you continue to mess up then that means I don't care about you enough to correct you." (Coach McDowell) I work with our big guys, the forwards and centers. Being a somewhat small guy (5'8 with shoes on and 170+ lbs) I move better than these guys, which all of our big men are as tall if not taller than I am and they are in Middle School, so it is important to realize that they have not developed into their bodies yet. When they cant get something right at practice I slow down the pace and walk them throught it. If you ask and obey God then he will do the same, walk with you through life. God is beside you. You just have to decide if you want to walk with him or walk in front of him. If you choose to walk in front of him, then how can he lead and walk with you?

#4 and #54 are no longer with us

Use your gifts and talents in life for others. In basketball you want to finish first. In life you should want to finish third. God, Others, then Yourself.