Don’t Hesitate

I coach a basketball team. No, not the NBA, not even high school. It is a team of 3^rd and 4^thgrade girls. It is a ministry called Upward Sports. We practice during the week and play games on Saturdays. It is a lesson in humility.

Say Yes

My daughter talked me into it. It is a ministry at her church and my granddaughter, Juliet, wanted to play. My daughter said, no one volunteered to coach. So, I said, “Yes.”

There were lots of reasons for me to say, “No.” I’m a 60 plus year old grandfather. I haven’t played basketball in 40 years. Would I even remember the fundamentals? I’m busy. I have my own church to worry about.

If you wait, you may lose your opportunity.

As it turned out, most of the girls had never played before. There was a lot to learn.

Did I say there was a lot to learn? This turned into a blessing, because it meant there was a lot I could teach, and I did remember the fundamentals. It all came back to me. Only one of the girls attended my daughter’s church. It was a true ministry. Each practice, we were asked to stop half way through and teach a Bible devotion on a virtue: contentment, respect, service, etc. “Raise your hand if you know who the Apostle Peter is?” Only one or two hands went up. There was a lot for me to teach.

My Girls

I worked hard to learn their names. Gradually, they turned into my girls. I learned about each of them. Some are shy. Some are out going. All are kind. I love each of them. 

My girls are smaller than those on the other teams, and they are not sure of themselves. They hesitate to take shots, to make passes, to get their hands in the air. I say, “If you wait, you may lose your opportunity. You’ll give someone the chance to block your shot.” I’m teaching them not to hesitate. I’m teaching them to be more confident, to just do it. I will teach them not to hesitate.

Adults Hesitate Too

As I think about it, it is not just young girls. Adults hesitate too. 

Don’t hesitate. If you do, you’ll think of all the excuses why you shouldn’t do it. If you wait, you may lose your opportunity.

• Say I love you.
• Lend a helping hand
• Send a text, make that call
• Give a hug
• Stop to talk with your neighbor
• Say Good morning to that stranger
• Say please and thank you 
• Read your morning devotional

Wow, I could go on… but I think you get the point. These things all align with the Word of God. These things will all result in something positive. If not for someone else, then they will put joy in your spirit. Stop what you are doing and do it, without hesitation.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” 

Philippians 2:3, ESV

Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear

Also, see Brain Develop.