Identity

Most posts I try to talk about something that happened or that I read about and then apply it to scripture somehow as essentially a devotional. Today, however, I am going to do something a little different, I am going to share part of my prayer journal.

"I can't stop thinking about the tongue lashing I received last night about playing time. I woke up at 3:30 in the morning and the first thing on my mind was what was said and how I could have or should have responded. Obviously too much of my identity is wrapped up in coaching. I enjoy having parents tell me how much they appreciate me as a coach or thinking that I do a good job with the kids. Conversely, it bothers me when they don't like how I coach. I never set out to coach in order to gain recognition or accolades, or identity but I fear that maybe that has now become a quiet, hidden objective."

I love to coach, but this morning in my prayer I had to lay it before God and ask Him if I should continue doing it. My desires, even if they are good desires, such as spending time with my kids, pouring into other kids and trying to be a godly example, must fit within God's will for my life. I don't want to quit because one parent was upset about how things were going, but I did need to recognize that some of my identity has been wrapped up in coaching. When our identity is found in anything other that Jesus Christ, it will self destruct. While I love coaching and want to continue doing it, if it is getting in the way of my relationship with Jesus or making Him look bad, I need to give it up. Please pray for me as I seek clarity.