The Really Good Ones are Hard to Spot

Read: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 

Jenna strokes a long, opposite-field base-hit to drive in the winning run from second base.

Jerry sinks a long three-point basket from the corner to win the basketball game as time expires.

The football game is decided by Johnny’s 73-yard scamper from scrimmage late in the fourth quarter.

 But what does the coach see?

Well, the softball coach sees Marla, a late-inning, non-starting, defensive replacement lay down a perfect sacrifice bunt to get the base-runner into scoring position for Jenna’s heroics.

The basketball coach? He sees Marvin, a back-up forward who is playing because the starting forward fouled out, set a screen to free Jerry from his defender. Jerry’s resulting open shot swishes through the net for the game-winner.

The football coach? He smiles as Mark, an offensive lineman, throw a perfectly executed block on the defensive linebacker to clear the way for Johnny’s touchdown run.

There are no headlines or adulation for Marla, Marvin, or Mark, but coach knows that their contributions were essential to the team’s success.

 Sherri has outgrown her winter coat. A little girl that Sherri will never meet will have a warmer winter because Sherri donated her coat to the Clothes Closet.

A fourth-grader now understands fractions because a volunteer teachers-aide named Judy patiently works with him one-on-one until he understands.

A sound technician, Charlie, works for hours on his afternoon off, to repair and set-up the audio-visual system for tonight’s guest preacher at his church’s revival.

The Clothes Closet Director, the Teacher-of-the-Year, and the nationally renowned evangelist will all get tomorrow’s headlines. Sherri, Judy, and Charlie will not. Nor could they care less!

 You see, they all know that they have a Heavenly Coach who is watching. Sherri, Judy, and Charlie have studied the Heavenly Playbook! They have read the same scripture you just read and have the assurance that Coach is watching!

The joy in this life comes from playing for the good of the team. The joy comes when we celebrate the team’s success without focusing on individual glory. Pats on the back are nice, but satisfaction comes from knowing that Coach is watching; that Coach is nodding His head in approval; and that Coach is smiling over your contributions. I do believe I see Coach actually cheering you on!

 One day, you will receive His Holy Fist-Bump!

 No headline will beat that moment……….ever!! 

 

Dennis Lee