Regardless of the level you coach, teaching your athletes to minimize distractions is important. Anyone that has ever coached youth sports knows what I am talking about. I remember a baseball game in which two of my 8-year old players got into a fight in the dugout arguing over who was going to put on the extra set of catcher's gear. On another day, I almost blew a gasket when at the most critical point of a big game, I observed my right-fielder sitting on the ground building dirt castles! Distractions for athlete's come in many forms: trash-talking from the opponent; poor weather conditions; parents trying to "coach" from the stands; opposing fans; fear of making a mistake; and as previously mentioned, even catcher's equipment and dirt. What often keeps our athletes from reaching their peak is not that they stop focusing, but that they pay attention to the wrong things. As coaches, we must be prepared to help our players stay focused on the "right" things.

Distractions are also common in everyday life. We get caught in traffic; our children get sick; and we get that unexpected phone call at just the wrong time. For coaches, there is never a shortage of "free advice" being offered reminding us of what we could have done or should have done in last night's game. Staying focused on the "right" things is something we have to be prepared for. Proverbs is filled with practical advice on dealing with the everyday problems we face. Proverbs 4:25 reminds us to walk with a single purpose. We are to look straight ahead, keeping our eyes on Jesus. We are to guard ourselves from distractions that might take us away from that purpose. Keeping our focus on Jesus is always the "right thing"! Are you distracted today? Get into God's Word and "refocus".

"Heavenly Father, I ask Your forgiveness for being so easily distracted. Too often my eyes and ears are focused on things that are not pleasing to You. Help me to live out Proverbs 4:25. Give me Your strength as I strive to look straight ahead and focus on Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen."