Thankfulness by Rick Radcliffe

Coaches Huddle Update
11-17-20
THANKFULNESS
But thank God!  He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Corinthians 15:57
Adam Vinateri was a kicking specialist who kicked in the NFL until the age of 47.  He has been able to play for some of the sport’s best coaches in Bill Belichick, Bill Parcells, Tony Dungy and Pete Carroll.  When asked to comment on which coach might have influenced him the most he stated, “I believe it was Marcy Farrand his elementary teacher in Rapid City, SD.  I was at the crossroads in my life at the age of 7 years old.”
He had a learning disability and had trouble reading and spelling.  He found himself in Farrand’s special-ed classes in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades.  “God bless her, I love her to death.” She helped him to overcome his learning disability and during those years Adam frequently brought her cards thanking her for her time and patience.  Adam ended up an honors student that earned admission to West Point.  “I had great grades, Why? I learned early that I had to study twice as long and hard as everybody else. “I learned in the elementary that you just out-effort everybody and you are going to be successful. He is forever thankful to Mary Farrand and the difference they made in his life. 
Everyday things happen to us that make us grateful and appreciative, yet we do not often express our thankfulness.  Even Jesus who in Luke 17: 11-19 healed 10 lepers had this happen to him when only one of the 10 came back to thank him.
It would be easy to thank God for something that might save your life, but God expects His people to be thankful in all circumstances, for only He knows the beginning and the end.  Thessalonians 5:18 says, Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.  We need to count our blessings and name them one by one. God has given you His abundance and His protection.
In the same way we need to be thankful for acts of kindness and generosity we receive from others.  Respond with a thankful spirit- you can never overuse the words, “thank you “Let others know how much you appreciate them. 
Questions
Would you describe yourself as a thankful person? Why or why not?
What are you most thankful about at home? At school? In your sport? On the job?
Read Ephesians 5:20, 1Thessolonians 5:16-18, Colossians 3:15-17.  What do these passages tell us about our attitude?  What happens when we display a thankful heart?
What are some strategies you could implement to become more thankful?
Write out 10 things for which you could thank God. Share your list with someone close to you.
I heard a saying, “Losers assemble in small groups and complain, but winners assemble as a team and encourage one another.”  Thankfulness doesn’t work well if it just stays in your head-you must speak it out loud. Proverbs 18:21 says” Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” So, experience the life-giving power of thankfulness by verbally sharing good fruit with someone.
Parts of this devotion was taken from “One” a study on team Character.
I found this prayer in my devotions for the day and I thought it was fitting for the times.
Holy Father, when I look around me and see the state of the world today, I can’t help but think that you are looking for someone to stand in the gap and pray. Let me be that person! Amen.
 
Have a good week!
Rick Radcliffe | Central Iowa | Field Ambassador