I was so excited to run into this great guy yesterday. Don is someone who made a lasting, positive impact on me, and on so many others growing up.
He worked for our town’s Parks and Rec Department as a referee for our basketball games and also ran clinics. His presence, time, and energy were a blessing in my life, and so many others.
Don was a staple in our lives.
Every Saturday morning, our middle school gym was packed with games from 8 a.m. to noon, and Don’s voice filled the space. He wasn’t just making calls, he was correcting us, guiding us. He wasn’t there simply to referee, he was there to help us become better players, and better people.
Don is known for his rough edges. He’s not always polished with his words, and he’s not shy about his tone. But those of us who had the privilege of being coached by him knew his heart, he always had our best interests in mind.
Today, people like Don are still needed, on and off the court.
People who care enough to speak hard truths. People who love us enough to redirect us when we’re heading in the wrong direction. People who are more concerned with who we’re becoming than how comfortable we feel in the moment.
Don didn’t just invest in us on those Saturday mornings. When we reached high school, he showed up at our games. Many of us even became referees ourselves under his guidance on those Saturday mornings.
He was committed to us as players, but more importantly, to us as people.
And he’s still showing up today, now cheering on some of our kids at their games.
I share this with you today to invite you to join me to…
pause. breathe. pray.
Let’s give thanks for the people in our lives, like Don, who have had the courage to speak the truth in love to us. May we learn from their example, and care about one another enough to speak the truth in love to each other, seeking to build each other up, from the inside out.
Also, may we remain humble enough, no matter our age, to listen when truth is spoken into our lives, trusting that when it comes from someone who cares about us, it is worth leaning in to.
With gratitude and hope,
Shawn