February 20. Seasons Have Reasons.

What season are you in right now in your life? What season is your business or team in? As our life changes our activities change as well. In my life, when I was an active athlete, I believed that meant that I was to compete. I needed an athletic coach to help that happen.

The coach scheduled the competitions, organized the whole team, ran practices, kept everyone coordinated and communicated with me. He did not play for me though. I showed up and did my part so that the team could accomplish victory.

I also learned that the best teams had discussions to discuss what victory meant. When someone joined the team for social purposes and it was a competitive team, it did not take long for them to realize that they were on the wrong team. Our businesses are that way also.

We have different seasons, different purposes and focuses at different times. Startups focus on survival and on transactions, lots of transactions. But mature companies deepen relationships, and they need transactions as well. Do those companies need the same coach?

The correct answer is that it is possible they do not. Many entrepreneurs miss the value of having a coach as there is no legal requirement to have one. Where might we be missing a coach? How successful would a professional athlete be if their attitude was, I do not need a coach?

If we have a coach, where do we need to evaluate the coaching method or to change the plays the team is running?

What season are you in on your faith walk? Are you at one of those joyous places or are you walking through a valley of darkness? There is different work to be done and different coaches might be needed.

Proverbs 10:5 says, "A wise youth harvests during the summer, but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace." What would the coach be saying to those sleeping youths? I think he might say, “Ok ladies and gentlemen, it is time to take the field.

Get out there and show them what you have prepared to do. That grain is there for the taking, let us get out there and show them that our training, our teamwork, and our talent has been refined. That means we are here to compete. When the coach speaks to you, then we go get it done.

What are you waiting on? If you do not have a coach that you count on to help you grow in your relationship with Christ, then you might consider getting one. If your business has moved to a different level, or you want a different level and you are not obtaining it, then you probably need a new coach.

We are told that we all make up the body of the church and that we need every part. Coaches, mentors, advisors, and players are all needed on the field. The harvest is plenty. Who are you missing who might be a catalyst to do your part and grow with Christ some more?

What is the first thing you can do about it in the next seven days?

Let us pray, Heavenly Father, you have provided so many opportunities by putting others on our path with us. Give me a fresh perspective about the season that I am in right now. May the coming days of Lent help me to see where others might help me to grow.

May they show me where I might help others as well. May the words of our mouths and actions of our heart be those that bring others to you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen,