Watch and Color

A little while ago I heard Katie (our oldest) say, "daddy, will you color with me?"  And a few seconds later Jason replies, "yes I will, go get it set up and I will be right there."

5 minutes before, Jason was getting ready to leave to go back to the school and watch film and cut the grass. 

It is now an hour later and Jason is just now leaving.

3 things:

1- Jason has decided to do all film watching and weekend work on Saturdays and not Sundays, if at all possible.  Even though he could probably stay at the field house for week and not get everything done, he says a day of rest to rest and honor the Lord is necessary. 
insight 101 - football coaches spend the whole weekend watching game film, washing uniforms, cleaning the locker room, planning practice for the next week and cutting the fields. They watch the game film from the night before, film from the opposing team they play next week and any film they are privileged to that will help them come up with a scheme to beat the other team.  And this takes hours - literally, hours.

2- He always spends time with the kids.  Even during the week, if the kids are awake when he comes in, he spends time with them.  Playing with them in their world.  I can't tell you the number of times I have walked in their room and see Jason sitting on the floor in front of the doll house with 30 My Little Ponies all around and Katie just going to town telling Jason what to do :)  Even though he is gone from the house a lot during football season, we all know we are number one because of the way he is when he is here.

3- Apart from us, Jason is a great guy.  Just naturally, he is a likable person.  But, I know that a big part of him having the freedom to do what the Lord calls him to is because of my willingness and understanding and support of the long hours.  A great guy can only get by with being just a great guy for so long.  There has to be something else driving him to want to take that extra time with us, when there is no extra time.

Your coach needs to know that no matter what you believe in him.  That you are proud to be his wife - win or lose (that's another topic for another day ).  You can handle the long hours for a season.  He needs to know that he has your support.  He needs your help.  And you can do it!!  Because God made you for it.

I will be the first to tell you that it is not easy.  I have 3 little ones and have really long days too.  But I am telling you there is peace in our home during football season.  We both realize that working for the Lord sometimes requires sacrifice and obedience in areas that are tough.  But through Christ, and only through Christ, do I have the strength to love my husband and put him before myself!  Long before I became a coach's wife a special friend told me, "you can do anything for a season."  Little did I know that I would be using this phrase a few years later - literally:)