FOR COACHES ONLY
WEEK OF AUGUST 30, 2010

MAKING MEMORIES

READY:

“Our end was near, our days were numbered, for our end had come.” – Lamentations 4:18b (New International Version)

SET:

I’m not a huge country music fan, but I have to admit that Kenny Chesney’s recent release of “The Boys of Fall”, has stirred up some great memories of playing high school football. Growing up in a small rural South Carolina town, fall Friday nights were something special. It’s been over 40 years since I put on a helmet and shoulder pads to play for the Denmark-Olar Danes, but Chesney’s song made me realize that time has not caused those feelings to fade. Like yesterday I can see the bleachers filled with cheering friends and family members. I remember “Doc” Thomas passing the hat reminding everyone that “we have to feed those boys, they played a great game”! The smell of popcorn from the canteen and sweat filled locker rooms are still fresh in my mind. The song’s lyrics cut to the core.

When I feel that chill, smell that fresh cut grass/
I’m back in my helmet, cleats and shoulder pads/
Standing in the huddle listening to the call/
Fans going crazy for the boys of fall/
They didn’t just let anybody in that club/
Took every ounce of heart and sweat and blood/
To get to wear those game jerseys down the hall/
Kings of the school man, we’re the boys of fall/

Little did I realize the value of making “memories” as I played high school athletics. As I hear Chesney sing “you mess with one man, you got us all”, I tear up thinking about the relationships that developed through the experience. I was guilty of thinking those days would never end, but they did.

Lamentations 4:18 is a reminder to each of us that our time on this earth is limited. A question we must ask ourselves with regularity is, “Am I using my time wisely”? Am I making good memories with my team, my family and my friends, memories that will last a lifetime? Each of us will stand before God when our time on earth is done. He is not likely to ask, “How many games did you win”, but rather, “What kind of father/mother were you”, “what kind of friend were you”, or “what kind of son/daughter were you”? It’s not too late, make a memory today.

GO:

1. What memories do you have of your “playing days”?

2. At what times have you realized that your days are numbered?

3. What can you do to appreciate the value of each day?

WORKOUT:

1 Peter 5:2-4
John 15:13
Luke 9:25