Where Were You?
Why attending practices and games matters.
His presence with us matters. Your presence to your child matters.
During my formative years, my father worked as a driver’s ed teacher and head football coach at a local high school. But when I entered high school, he retired from the coaching part of his job primarily to free up his late afternoons so he could attend my high school football practices. Our practice field was built into a valley with about a 100-foot bank on one side, and most days, I could see my dad standing at the top of the embankment watching practice.
Sometimes he watched the beginning of practice, other times the end. He never said a word, and I was probably the only person who even knew he was there. But, I was the only one who really needed to know he was there. We never talked during practice and we rarely made eye contact, but I knew where he was. The sight of him at my practices and games always gave me a little lift, a boost of confidence and maybe even some security that no matter what happened, everything was going to be OK because dad was there.
What’s the point of my story? The mere presence of my dad at practices and games was huge for me as a young athlete dealing with teenage insecurities and fears. Just the sight of him standing on that hill made a lasting impact on my sports career and my life. The power of presence is a mysterious phenomenon, but it’s real. I’m different today because of the power of my parent’s presence in my life. It has impacted the way I now parent my own children. It was rarely about what Dad said and always about where he was. Remember: Your child’s sport is a big deal to them. Your physical presence at their sporting events communicates to them that it’s a big deal to you, too.
The Bible talks about ministry of presence. Let’s look at some verses that might be applicable to you and your family’s sports experience. But first, let’s ask God to help you gain some wisdom from these Bible verses.
Bible Study
What do you learn about God’s character in John 1:14 and John 14:28? How does this attribute of God relate to parents attending their child’s sports activities?
Using Psalm 139:7-10, what do you learn about God’s presence in our lives? How does God’s presence in our lives encourage/empower/inspire you to be more present in your child’s life?
In the verses provided, what connection do you see from being present in another’s life and one’s encouragement to another? Give an example from the verses provided.
What is the one big idea or takeaway from the verses provided? How should you respond to the truths found in these verses?
Practice Session
Have a conversation with your child. Ask them the following questions:
How does it make you feel when I’m present at a practice or game?
How does it make you feel when I’m not present at a practice or game?
Have I ever done anything at one of your games to embarrass you? If so, what?
What would you like for me to do or stop doing at your practices or games?
Think of one or two practical ways you can better organize your schedule so you might be more present at your child’s practices and/or games. (Be prepared to discuss your ideas with the other parents in your Huddle.)