"She takes good care of her own body and she practices what she preaches" (Proverbs 31:17).
The old adage, "Do as I say, not as I do!" ranks right up there at the top of standard coaching clichés, along with the quip, "When I say 'Jump,' you say, 'How high?'"
Coaches are notorious for dictating domestic doctrines. But they aren't very good at following their own sound advice. I've met coaches from every level of competition in every sport imaginable, who truly look like "the walking dead". They appear exhausted, stressed-out and frazzled by the daily wear and tear of the pressure-filled and time-consuming job of coaching. I understand, because I was once a "zombie" myself.
As athletic experts, we all know the value of proper rest, exercise and nutrition; but we allow the intensity of the job to overtake our lives, ignoring our mental and physical health. We may lead our teams well, but we fail at leading ourselves. The wise coach who looks out for her team will likewise look out for herself. She will manage, administrate and supervise, not only those she is responsible for at work, but she will take special care to steward her own household and her own body.
Proverbs 14:0 (NASB) says, "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but passion is rottenness to the bone.
Coach, take a quick assessment! Ask yourself, "How can I steward myself better?" Our personal excellence requires that we practice what we preach.
Prayer
Lord, I pray for your precious peace to flood my heart! Don’t let me be ruled by my unbridled passion for winning, but let me be ruled by Your Spirit. Make me complete in You, healthy, satisfied and well-rested.
