YMCA Basketball Champs....

This is a note that I gave each of my 9-10 year old basketball players after the championship game yesterday, actually I gave it to their parents and the parents could pass it along if they approved. They played an amazing game yesterday and won the Statesville, Hickory, Conover, and Lyle Creek YMCA basketball tournament championship for their age division.

I have so enjoyed coaching each of you guys. I ran across a picture of a team I coached 11 or 12 years ago and I could still remember each of the kids. Now I didn’t remember each of their names but I could remember something about every one of them. You guys are a team much like them, great kids that I will remember for a long time to come. During the tournament we focused on five things. I want to share with you five things about life that go along with those five keys to basketball.

Trust - In basketball there is nothing more important than trusting your team mates and passing the basketball. In life I would encourage you to trust people until they prove to not be trustworthy. My favorite line from the Chronicles of Narnia is “Have you ever known Lucy to be a liar before?” That line isn’t in the movie... so you would have to read the book to find it.

Believe - In basketball you have to believe in your shot, and in life I would encourage you to believe in Jesus Christ. Now I want tell you to find a certain religion or a certain church, but I would tell you to believe in Jesus and follow Him with all of your life. Allow Jesus to guide every area of your life. He is the world’s greatest coach, He died for His team and He picks you.

Talk - Find other followers of Jesus to talk to and talk to them often. In life just like in basketball you need team mates to coach you and you need to coach one another. One fourth of the New Testament was written by one man (Luke) to one other man (Theophilus). Those books are the gospel of Luke, and the Acts of the
Apostles. They are the best example I know of humans coaching one another.

Find - In basketball we talked about finding a place for your butt. In life I would encourage you to find a place for your hands. Find something that you love and do it well. If a man doesn’t work, he doesn’t eat. Except in America and America may change someday, so find work you love and do it with all your energy.

Scream - Well screaming scares the other team and allows you to enjoy the game. In life I think you should do the same thing. Never be afraid to scream and enjoy every part of life! Life is fun and every commandment that God gives, helps you enjoy life!

- Hope to see you again, Josh