What does your face say?

Intense.

This is the number one word I would use to describe myself.

I was well into adulthood before I gave a whole lot of thought to what my face said to other people and how my intensity might affect others.

When I used to teach, I had a parent say to me one time, "I never know what you are thinking when I see you walking down the hall. You always look so serious. " Hmm. I hadn't really though about what my face was saying to other people. (And I am SO thankful that God prompted her to say that to me.) In that case, I believe the serious look on my face was there because I was intensely thinking about something. I'm often intensely thinking about something.

What did I do you might be wondering? I just made a point to smile more.

I have tried to apply this in my coaching and in all of my life. My intensity comes out in my face especially when I'm coaching.

I'm intense when I'm in practice and watching, correcting and making sure the drills and games run smoothly.

I'm intense when I'm giving any sort of instruction.

And the games...oh the games...Here's one of my favorite pics:

Needless to say, this was in INTENSE game!

I was reminded of my facial expressions, or lack thereof, during my son's soccer game a couple of weeks ago. For his U5 league, the coaches are on the field entering a new ball every time a ball goes out of bounds. So there are no throw ins, etc. So I'm spending my time walking/running around with them and saying things like:

"Where is the ball?"

"Look at the ball!"

"Way to run to the ball!"

"Other way!"

You get the idea...

But that game a few weeks ago, I thought about my face. My face was serious and intense.

Now, during water breaks I'm giving high fives and down on one knee talking to the kids. (They are usually super concerned with what they are getting for snacks today.) But what's happening on the field?

We had quite a few rain outs and we had our last game a couple of days ago. And I did the same thing. SO SERIOUS!!! Now, the kids probably didn't notice, but I did. They are running around sometimes going for the ball and waiting until the next break.

My point in all of this is just to think about what our faces our saying to the kids. If I'm going to continue to coach young ones, I really want to work on this.

Matthew 5:16 "In the same way let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

#coachforhisglory