God's Coaching #333

God's Coaching #333

You know you’ve been coaching for a while when the US Congress passes a resolution to honor you—for 400 wins! Joe Paterno had been coaching Penn State’s football team for so long that his name was nearly synonymous with the Nittany Lions. He started coaching at Penn State in 1966 and was still going strong in 2010.

How unheard of is it to last more than four decades coaching college football, especially at one school? Well, from 1966 through 2010, there were 874 head-coaching changes in the top ranks of college football. That’s more than six coaching changes per school! But Joe’s success made him an icon. He ranked at or near the top of all-time wins, winning percentage, and postseason victories.

But when the Nittany Lions struggled in the early 2000s, many fans complained that Joe was too old to keep coaching. Even in his eighties, Joe never wavered, and Penn State stuck by him. He still held a deep passion for the game and for helping his young players. He certainly brought more wisdom and experience to the game than anyone else around.

What’s the Score?

How old are your grandparents? Sometimes it’s easy to look at old people like they’re out of touch. But we can learn a lot from the senior citizens in our families, churches, and communities. Sure, some may move a little slower than you and not be up with the current technology. But their brains and hearts are filled with amazing experiences and lessons learned about God, life, careers, people, and much more.

Don’t miss out on your opportunities to learn from the world’s wisest. Job 12:12 tells us that “wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old.” Visit your grandparents and your friends’ grandparents. Get to know different seniors at church. Invite them to your class or middle-school group. Reach out to those in your neighborhood with a plate of cookies, or offer to help them with some yard work for free.

On the Ball

Hang out with some older people, and let their wisdom rub off on you. List some old people you know and how you can help them and connect with them. You’ll be surprised by what you learn.

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Coach’s Comment

Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old. Job 12:12