If COVID has taught us one thing, it would be to take time to notice things around us. Not only our use of proxemics, but also our mannerisms and eye contact. We follow (or ignore altogether) the signs posted on every door, floor and window. Stand here, don't sit here, wear your mask, wash your hands, don't touch you face, etc. So many things to be mindful of. It can be stressful! (Don't even get my started about the shopping at the grocery store...)
But then there are everyday things mindfulness benefits.
I have tried to become more mindful of what I put into my body, what I allow my thoughts to dwell on, how to sort and process emotions, and enjoying simple things like rain clouds and spider webs. Last week, I spend 30 minutes admiring an intricate spider web, marveling at his precision and work ethic!
Mondays are the days I set aside to mindful meditate on the mundane while taking a break from my monotonous schedule. On a recent sunny Monday, I was grateful to enjoy the afternoon in my hammock. One of my favorite places to hammock is by the sports fields because there is bound to be at least one other person enjoying the day. I unpacked my hammock kit to set up camp. The kit usually consist of something cold or warm to drink, a snack, a book, my journal, ear buds, and of course my hammock.
This week I was happy to see I made it just in time for ladies rugby practice! I watched as they carried the heavy equipment to the field, hydrated, and then assembled into a ring surrounding the coach. In a delight foreign accent, he gave some instructions for the day and they started stretching. You would have thought I was attending an important game as I pulled out my snacks and smiled excitedly for the game to start!
But as I started watching the coaches talk to their players, explain the drill, and give verbal affirmation I started writing down observations and was struck by this reality - I have the same responsibilities!
Up until this point of my life and ministry, I have always considered myself a team player who has to make certain sacrifices, work hard and faithfully in order to win. But now, I can see how God is building me to become more of a coach. One where instead of following a coaches command, I have been asked to lead a group of players. These players come in the form of university students who are trying to figure out life and faith for themselves. As a coach, it is my responsibility and honor to disciple them and help equip them with what they will need when following Jesus. We take prayer walks and learn how to pray, we study scriptures together and set up reading plans. We practice sharing the Gospel and practice conversation starters. As a coach, I look at the big picture and vision cast to them who then go out and do these things "on the field".
On Netflix, there is a show called The Playbook: A Coach's Rule for Life which I found fascinating. I have a long list of questions for coaches when given the opportunity to ask!
Here are some questions for you:
1. Who is your coach and what impact have the had on you? Do you remember your coaches names? How did they help shape you as a person?
2. Do you consider yourself a coach or an athlete?
3. Who are you coaching/leading/discipling? What are you teaching them to do in order to succeed/ thrive in their faith?
