Timing Is Everything

Timing Is Everything

The West Coast Offense is an offense built on timing. Three steps and a hitch . . . five steps and get it out . . . five steps and a double hitch. In the West Coast Offense, timing is everything for a well-placed ball. Guys like Joe Montana and Steve Young made it appear poetic and effortless because they mastered the fundamentals of the well-placed ball.

A well-placed word can be as effective as a well-placed ball. Recently, one of my kids was hurt by the words of his peers when they criticized him for not being as skinny as they were. My son is not obese in the least bit. He has a thick frame, as I do, and will be very tall, as I am.

As young men do, my son gave them the impression that he blew it off and went about his day. But as soon as he got into the car with his mom, he let her know of the pain their comments caused him. The next day, his coach, not aware of the situation, encouraged him in this same area, declaring that my son was destined to excel with the power base the coach sees on him and telling him to use that for his advantage. My son’s coach gave him encouragement at just the right time.

You know, encouragement is special when we are running low on hope. Encouragement is life-giving when we have been in a prolonged trial. And when someone who is totally unaware of our circumstances encourages us, we experience the love and support of almighty God because we know only God could prompt that person to say something.

Proverbs 15:23 states, “Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” This word is so true and so applicable. As you have received encouragement, give it. As you give it, so you, too, will receive it. Remember, timing is everything, and a well-placed word, like a well-placed ball, is a thing of beauty.

Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!

Proverbs 15:23