Sara Schroder - collegiate women's wrestler
Ready:
“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” —1 Thessalonians 5:12-14
Set:
Coach Ask was my first wrestling coach. He is the reason I am the wrestler I am today. Ask was one of the best coaches I have ever had, not only because he is extremely knowledgeable, but because he respects his athletes and his athletes have the utmost respect for him. Every single day I would go to practice, Coach Ask would plaster on a huge, genuine smile. It could be 6am or 9pm but he was there uplifting his athletes; uplifting me. A prime example of this is in the dead of a South Dakota winter, mid-season I would be tiredly lacing up my shoes, and he would start blasting Michael Jackson through the speakers and whipping out every horrendous dance move he had in his arsenal.
As I developed as a wrestler more wins were acquired, but along with this came tougher practices, increased workouts, and harder losses. Coach Ask was always patient with his athletes that put in time and hard work. After each and every match, Ask would encourage and teach. Two years ago I lost a devastating match with Coach Ask in my corner. I felt as if I had let everyone down: myself, my family and him. He gave me encouragement that I remember word for word today. Every practice and competition after that loss had me questioning my worth and ability, but Coach Ask never stopped showing up or caring.
1 Thessalonians talks about how we as Christians are here to uplift, encourage and respect the people we interact with. Coach Ask exemplifies what this passage is speaking about. He is a great coach because he sets this example every day. He respects his athletes and has earned their respect in return.
Go:
Think of a coach you respect deeply. What qualities caused you to respect them so much?
Thinking about this passage, what actions can you take to gain people’s respect in your life - of your teammates? coaches? opponents?
In what ways can you be an encouragement to others?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Dear Heavenly Father, You have given us coaches and leaders to guide us through not only our craft, but also life. Thank You for the gifts and abilities you have given to us and help us to develop them and use them to honor You. Let us respect and encourage our teammates, coaches and opponents every time we step on the mat. It is because of Your grace and will that we are given these opportunities, so let us give You all the glory every time we compete. In Jesus name, amen”