February 11, 2011

Braggin' Rights

02 11 11 Friday

I had a chance to visit with several high school coaches in south Alabama during the week.  One was one of my high school coaches back in the day. It was great getting to see him.

One thing about Coach Blackwell, he never gave up on me.  I gave him many, many reasons to, but he never did.  He has always told folk how proud he is of me and I can’t begin to tell him I appreciate him for that reason.  The lesson from this is, never give up on folk.  We have to see them for what they really can be. Look past their faults, mistakes, and quirks that drive us crazy.  When we see people for what they really can be, then we will see them in a whole new way.  See them the way God sees them.  Look through the eyes of forgiveness, love, mercy, grace and acceptance.  We all know we have needed folk to see us through those eyes.  I am learning from Coach Blackwell how to treat folk, how to see them for what they really can be.  We all have greatness in us that wants to shine.  He taught me many lessons in the classroom and on the field, but this one surpasses them all.  Treat folk with dignity, respect, and appreciation.  Praise them in public, but discipline them in private.  Take time today to brag on someone.  Look for someone that least expect it.  Be honest and sincere with your words.  Make someone’s day today.  You never know it could make a difference in their life.