God's Coaching #92

God's Coaching #92

Not many 10-year-olds can say they’ve played with a professional basketball team. Before Jaylin Fleming turned 11, he had played with two. In 2010, Jaylin practiced with the New York Knicks and worked out with Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose. NBA scouts and college coaches said Jaylin might be the best fifth-grade basketball player in the world.

The five-foot-one-inch point guard impressed coaches with his ballhandling skills, passing, and shooting. Although Jaylin could drive to the basket or shoot every time he had the ball, he enjoyed passing and getting his teammates involved offensively. Jaylin played on two teams in Chicago, Illinois, and went to the gym two or three times a week. But that didn’t mean Jaylin’s life was all about basketball. He tried hard in school to get all As and Bs. And he attended church and Bible study every week.

What’s the Score?

At just 10 years old, Jaylin received tons of attention for his basketball talent. While a lot of kids would get a big head, Jaylin stayed humble. Jaylin’s dad wanted his son to be a better person than basketball player. Jaylin’s dad played a big part in Jaylin’s development as a player and a young man. He introduced his son to basketball and coached him during his younger years.

The Bible encourages children to listen to their father’s instruction (Proverbs 1:8). Parents want the best for their children. So when you listen and obey what your mother and father teach, you do better in life. Jaylin followed his father’s advice, and he attracted the attention of high school, college, and professional basketball coaches. Your parents can often see potential and talent in you that you might not notice. Sometimes it may seem like your parents ask a lot of you. But they do it because they want you to be your best.

On the Ball

What instruction does your father always give you?

What does your mother try to teach you?

When you pay attention to what your parents say, you’ll do well in life.

Coach’s Comment

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Proverbs 1:8 (NIV)