There are times in life that are evident things will be worse before the ever get better. Like moving into a new house in a new town with 3 children under the age of 6. Or like taking over a football program that has had less than 10 winning seasons the whole time its been open. Or like when Christ came and lived, died and was resurrected and from now until He returns.
February 11, 2011 my husband took his first head coaching job. From that point on we put the house on the market and began the process of moving closer to the school. A year and a few months later (actually closed the last week of school) we moved to our new home in Richland - we were officially Rangers! We had a couple football players help us bring everything out of the moving truck in to the house. This took them less than an hour.....I know my husband was thinking, "we'll have this house in order in no time!". So, I just sweetly reminded him by saying, "you know honey, it's going to get much worse in here before it gets better....". I am happy to say that it is one week before official football practice starts and all the boxes are unpacked - not everything is put away - but nothing is left in a box. :)
That same February we left a school where they went 13-1 the past season and made it all the way to the North State finals. We were there 6 years and in those 6 years there was much much success and excitement on the gridiron including the installation of artificial turf - which meant daddy had more time at home because there was no more grass cutting!!! So, before Jason took this new job he said, "Carrie, we are about to experience a change in everything." And he was right....lots of ups and lots of downs - but I can assure you, we have not stayed down!! We are in the middle of 'worse before better' but we know that we are working as unto the Lord and not man - so our reward will come (Col 3:23)! It may not come in the form of wins - at least not at first :) - but I have seen, already, so many ways the lives of these boys are changing. We have met so many families and seen God moving in their lives - right now!!
All through scripture we see ups and downs. We read of 'worse before better' situations over and over. Christ came and we know that there were miracles and peoples lives changing and so much of the 'better' was all around. But we also know of that dark hour when He gave Himself - in the most horrific and painful way ever known to man - for us - so one day we can all experience the 'better' for eternity.
In the coaching world it's a constant 'worse before better'. In order to stand strong in the 'worse' moments we must cling to God's Word and His promises AND encourage and lift up one another. Then in the 'better' moments we give God all the glory - because He is worthy!
