I messed up last night

The headline is more selacious that the story

Last night was the semifinals for our 8-11 year old flag football team, the Raiders.  I don’t know why, but I got really nervous yesterday, couldn’t even eat dinner.  I was so excited for the kids!  When it came game time my stomach was in knots; I’ve never been that nervous for my own sports.  I just didn’t want to make dumb play calls and ruin it for the kids.

So, we started the game with the ball.  The first play I called was a fake reverse with a short pass.  Our players ran it perfectly, but the defense was prepared and intercepted the ball and ran it back for a touchdown.  Down 6-0 right at the start.  Our defense stopped the extra point try, and it was our ball again…

I decided to run the reverse this time, thinking we had set it up with the first play.  They read it perfectly and sacked us at our own 1 yard line.  My stomach was really turning.  The next play I called play action with a swing pass to the receiver running a slant out.  The guys ran it, but again the defense was sitting on the play, intercepted it and ran it back for a touchdown. 13-0 and we’re only 3 minutes into the game.  I thought I’d ruined it for the kids and I felt horrible!

I went to the sideline and encouraged the kids, even told them it was my fault and they would be fine. Inside I felt like throwing up.  However, we went back out and I told the kids we would be fine, just have fun and give it their best.  I swallowed and called the next play.  We actually gained positive yards and we all breathed deep.  From there on we caught fire, winning the game 47-19!  I was so proud of our kids for hanging in there!

As I thought about it, our game is alot like leading a church.  I get nervous every week, wanting to make sure that I give God my best.  However, sometimes we make calls that end up looking disastrous.  However, it’s at these times we have a choice.  Shrink back in fear, or take a deep breath, trust God and go for it!

At Palm Valley we’ve made some dumb calls. However, we always learn from them and come back stronger!  I’m determined to learn from every mistake, and not to repeat them, but make new mistakes   Leaders, don’t ever get discouraged by the scoreboard, or the critics, and keep going for the touchdown, giving God your best!!!

BTW, the Raiders go for the championship at 6:00 Wednesday, and I won’t start the game with the fake reverse pass I’ve got a new trick up my sleeve   should be fun