The players who seemed to fail to learn from their mistakes were the most frustrating for me over my several decades of coaching. However, I agree with Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll, who said, “As a coach, you should never lose your temper at a player, never.”Daniel Coyle, in his Little Book of Talent, says, “Most of us instinctively avoid struggle because it’s uncomfortable. It feels like failure. However, when it comes to developing your talent, struggle isn’t an option – it’s a biological necessity.” (Tip 17 – Embrace Struggle). While it might take patience to work with some athletes, in every failure lies the seed of their next progression. Without failure, a player or team can’t grow and become stronger.

Deuteronomy 1-2 – Remembering Lessons

Philosopher George Santayana wrote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” In his parting speech, Moses reviewed Israel’s past and reminded the new generation who they were and how they got there (Deut. 1-5). Knowing their history, the new generation in Israel could avoid repeating the sins of their fathers.

Moses’ speech reminds his people of God’s faithfulness and His desire for them to learn from their ancestors’ mistakes. The Bible and our relationships with other believers serve a similar purpose today. When we reflect on God’s faithfulness to us, our faith and trust in Him are strengthened.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete learn from their past mistakes and remind themselves of God’s faithfulness even after failing or making a mistake.

Bible Verse: “The secret things belong to Yahweh our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”  Deuteronomy 29:29 (LSB)