lessons from basketball

I’m coaching basketball again this year, but I’m at a new school where basketball is much more serious and held in a higher regard. That said, I’ve spent a lot of time observing other coaches, watching games, studying plays, and soliciting feedback. It helps that basketball is a sport that I love and one that I played, or else all that time invested could very much seem like a chore and not very enjoyable. That said, as I’ve devoted this time to basketball recently, I’ve realized there are also some pretty good lessons for life within the sport. Here’s what I’ve come up with:

1. Its important to understand the rules and then master the fundamentals.

2. The bigger team isn’t always the better team.

3. Its important to hustle in every play.

4. Sometimes the referees aren’t fair. The game still goes on, and they still have their say. They’re doing their job; we have to do ours.

5. A strong defense can be the best offense.

6. Perfect practice makes perfect.

So, I’m sure there are more life lessons that one could derive from basketball, but that’s what I’ve come up with.

Until next time…

truly thankful

Every time I post, my intention is to always make my next post happen fairly soon after. You know, get into the habit of writing regularly. But then, life happens. I get into my more common habits of grading, lesson planning, and coaching…and blogging becomes somewhat of an after thought- if ever a thought at all.

As Thanksgiving approaches, and I have time off to gather my thoughts and get ahead on grading and lesson plans, I also am reminded of how blessed I am. There have been many challenges this year from moving to a new place, starting a new job, and getting acquainted to my environment. However, I’ve been abundantly blessed in spite of my challenges and despite my own ability to get in my own way. That said, here’s a short list of what I’m thankful for:

1. I’m thankful for God: His grace, mercy, salvation, promises, peace, and unfailing love.

2. I’m thankful for family: their love, support, emails, calls, and cards of encouragement and for always believing in my dream despite my unbelief.

3. I’m thankful for friends: their laughter and encouragement, prayers, texts, Twitter and BBM updates keep me sustained as I go through the day to day grind.

4. I’m thankful for my students: who ALWAYS keep it real, make me laugh, push me to be a better person and teacher, and who understand that sometimes a hug is the best medicine.

5. I’m thankful for provision: in a recession, my needs are met and a lot of my wants are satisfied. Truly a testament to God’s faithfulness.

6. I’m thankful for the journey: the lessons learned and the growth that has taken place has helped to make me stronger. I’m also grateful for dreams that have come true, those in the process of coming true, and those that have yet to be dreamt. Again, a testament to God’s ability to do just what He is.

So, I’m truly thankful for everything and everyone in my life. I can honestly say I’m blessed.

Until next time…

detached

They say that October is one of the hardest months when you’re a teacher. The excitement of the new year has worn off, and you find yourself in a rut- going through the motions of getting up early, staying at work late, calling parents, disciplining students, planning lessons, grading papers, and praying for a break. I’ve been in the midst of that, and its been rough.

What’s been more challenging for me is wrestling with the ideas I keep in my mind, the hopes and dreams I have for my future, and the despair I feel as I realize that I’m so far from where I want to be.

I’ve been on a quest, mostly in my mind, to figure out what makes me happy and to be purposeful about achieving it. But now its time to take action.

I’ve felt detached from my purpose and I hate that feeling. So, I suppose that begins a new journey for me. Let’s see where it takes me.

Until next time…