Modeling

As my kids and I drive to practices and games, we sometimes hear the Rodney Atkins country song, “Watching You.” 

I’ve been watching you, 

Dad, ain’t that cool?

I’m your buckaroo. I wanna be like you.

Eat all my food, and grow as tall as you are…

My kids think the song is funny but don’t think it represents their experience. They don’t think they’re becoming little versions of me. But as they’ve grown into teenagers and now have some adult experiences, I see them acting and saying things just as I have for the past 17 years of being a dad. 

If we’re serious about making disciples for Christ, let’s recognize that this starts not in our sport but at home. Coaches and professional athletes sacrifice a lot of family time for their teams. I’ve met too many who sacrificed raising their own kids to influence the lives of several hundred others. Many of those coaches and athletes now live with regrets. 

If God has called you to be a coach or a leader in your sport, He certainly hasn’t called you away from your role in your family. You can do both – raise your kids to be disciple-makers and be a good example for the players on your team.