A Biblical Approach to Parenting Your AthleteSample

## Where Were You, Mom/Dad? (The Power of Presence)

READY:

> “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…”. –John 1:14

SET:

His presence with us matters---your presence with your child matters.

During my formative years as a child, my father worked as a high school teacher and football coach. When I entered high school, he retired from the coaching part of his job primarily to free up his late afternoons to attend my high school football practices. I saw my dad standing at the top of the practice field embankment throughout my high school football years. Sometimes he watched the beginning of the practice, and other times the end. He never said a word, and I was probably the only person who knew he was there, but I was the only one who really needed to know.

The sight of him at my practices and games always gave me a little lift, a boost of confidence, and maybe even security that no matter what happened in any practice or game, everything was going to be okay because of my dad's presence.

I’m different today because of the power of my parent’s presence in my sports life, and my parenting of my athletic children was strongly influenced by the power of my parents’ presence. Remember, your child’s sport is a big deal to them. Your physical presence at their sporting events communicates to them that it’s a big deal to you too.

Just as your child is reassured when you are physically present, as believers of Jesus Christ, dwelling in His presence is just as imperative in their lives. Teaching our children to develop that personal relationship with God through studying scripture and prayer will, in return, invoke strength and confidence in their abilities. God will indeed dwell among us because His presence matters.

The Bible speaks to the ministry of presence. Ask God to help you gain some wisdom from these Bible verses.

WORKOUT: Bible Discussion

John 14:28

Psalm 139:7-10

Hebrews 10:24-25

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

GO:

1\. What do you learn about God’s character in John 1:14 and John 14:28? How does this attribute of God relate to parents attending their child’s sports activities?

2\. Using Psalm 139:7-10, what do you learn about God’s presence in our lives? How does God’s presence in our lives encourage/empower/inspire you to be more present in your child’s life?

3\. What is the one takeaway from the verses provided? How should you respond to the truths found in these verses?

OVERTIME: Practice Session

1\. Have a conversation with your athlete child. Ask them the following questions:

*How does it make you feel when I’m present (or not present) at a practice or game?

*What would you like me to do or stop doing at your practices or games?

2\. Think of one or two practical ways you can better organize your schedule so that you might be more present at your child’s games.

Where Were You Testimonial?