YOU Are Why I Do What I Do

Funny how we are created for specific times, places, events and people.  Ten years ago, I was in the midst of a major life transition.  My years as a collegiate coach had come to a conclusion and I was in transition to take over a high school program - something I had not envisioned myself ever doing, and much less at a small, Christian school.  No interest whatsoever.  But I know that voice inside, and there was no doubt He had said it was right.  I had just come from 4 incredible years of a young coach's dream - coaching in the Big West Conference, home to 3 of the nation's perennial Top 10 women's volleyball teams, scouting and strategizing against several legendary coaches, and tasting the sweetness of the "big-time".  And it was time to step in obedience to take over a program that was clearly the opposite end of the spectrum.

Five years later, I walked away, having built them into a championship program, to fully engage into Ignite International as teams were requesting trips in August.  One of the hardest days of my life as a coach was to tell Nina Harrison that I would not coach her senior year.  I adore that kid, now friend!! 

Hard to believe they're all graduated (or close) from university studies now.  Val is starting med school.  She and Liz are both engaged to great guys.  Vanessa is impacting lives of younger girls and doing fabulous.  Victoria is progressing in her dream to break into Hollywood.  Kaci gets married in 2 weeks.  Kaleigh continues to be one of my favorite people ever to have worn a uniform of a team I had the honor to coach.  And the list goes on.  Leah is going to be a regular on ESPN one day - just wait!! Angela is happily married to a great guy!!  Faith continues to exemplify her name and is still about the most diligent person I have ever known - i still highly respect her for many reasons. 

SO proud of each of you - and for those I didn't name.....you are amazing as well, so just forgive and look at the clock (it's 2:36 a.m. right now!!).

But today is a special one for all of us as, whether present or not, we will celebrate with Lacey and her family as Lacey and Seth exchange their vows and become husband and wife.  There is only one Lacey McCabe on this planet, and I for one am incredibly thankful to have her and her entire family as part of my life.  I have told Lacey for 9 years now - "when you walk in the room, I feel convicted....like I should just love Jesus more."  What a testimony - to have that impact on someone who is "supposed" to be the one impacting you.  I have ministered with Lacey 3 times in Nicaragua, and I look forward to both her and Seth being connected to Ignite International for the long-term. 

By no means putting anyone on a pedestal, but this gal is the real deal.......Lacey, you amaze everyone around you with your voice, but all the more with the Spirit that resides deep within you.  Your purity is to be honored, and your joy is to be celebrated.  I thank God for the incredible privilege of being one of those whom God has used to speak into your life.  You have touched mine equally.....and I, as your coach.....and as your friend....congratulate you and your precious man, Seth, today.

To see each of the girls, now young women, above as they grow.....to see their commitments to the Lord remain without compromise.....to see them become what we envisioned "back in the day".....to see the favor of their Creator all over them......to be closer now than we were then, although none of us could have imagined that possible.......as a coach, THIS is the highest honor.  THIS is what it's about. 

To see you ladies today - living for HIM and loving it.....YOU are why I do what I do. 

Thank-you for making me love it all over again with every time you cross my mind - there is NO way to honor each of you the way you deserve.!!!

Faith, Angela, Kaleigh, Liz, Vanessa (my trophy), Victoria, Valerie, Lacey, Nina, Kaci, Leah......and the rest of you from that amazing group......never forget where you've come from........and through time and distance may you always beat with one heart, a heart after God!! 

I love you, All!!
JF