Making Preparations

It's mid-July, which typically indicates two things:


My birthday and the midpoint of Summer Vacation.


Typically, during the summers of my youth, there would still be plenty of time left to spend roving the neighborhood on my Huffy, going to movies, playing pick-up games of street ball.


I've traded the Huffy in for...well...nothing.


There are no good movies.


Pick-up games have turned into picking up shifts at the pool where I do my summer work.


I'm not complaining, it's been an enjoyable summer.  I am mourning the loss of summer, though, just a little bit.  After all, my birthday no longer marks the mid way point; its more like the end of the 3rd quarter.  I go back pretty much full time in two weeks.


I've been teaching for a year and a half.  This coming year, though there are some changes, will be more like last year in a lot of ways.  I'm in the same position, coaching the same sports, with mostly the same responsibilities.


In a few short weeks Football will begin in full swing - a bittersweet deal for the Owen Family.


I'll explain to anyone who asks: I don't love football.  I don't love any sport, for that matter.  I enjoy them quite a bit - some more than others.  I do not coach for the love of the game, though.  As cliche as this sounds, I do it for the kids.  I know that junior high is where a lot of life decisions are made - most of which are almost subconscious.  Sure, the kids aren't preparing for college or choosing their careers - but they are choosing their lifestyle.  The choices made in junior high are formative and will dictate much of what is done in high school, which, subsequently, affects what is achievable beyond that.  I simply want to help usher these kids through what they don't even recognize as one of the most tumultuous times in their lives.  I have sympathy for them as I look back on my decisions (and lack thereof) at their age, ones which undoubtedly altered my life course.  In short, I love what I do - and coaching is the avenue by which to really impact these young men and women.


The long hours are not without their consequences.  Even though it is only junior high ball, there are lots of hours put in, lots of stress associated with the sports, on top of the normal rigors of teaching classes.  That combination tends to lead to poor eating habits, low energy, and so on.


Most importantly, though, there is a tax on my family.  Leaving before 6 am and getting home well after 6 pm is difficult on Kelly and the kids.  Sure, the worst of it only lasts a few months, but that does not diminish the sacrifice that they make to allow me to to my job.  Last year, it was particularly difficult.  I was new to the whole thing - to coaching and to my teaching position, which is a pretty unique job.  Needless to say, being a rookie made for a chaotic fall.


This summer, I am set on thriving during the upcoming busy season.  I am resolved to lead my family through it as well.  So, I have been preparing since late in the spring in the hopes that it will be an edifying time instead of a destructive one.


Here's what that looks like:


Kel and I have prepared a daily schedule for her and the kids, pretty much down to the minute.  When the days are long, the structure keeps the kids from going nuts and keeps Kel from losing it.  Downtime is LETHAL (except for naptimes).  Kel will be prepared for the day well before the kids even wake up - this will ensure that she stays in charge and that the day is not dictated indirectly by the kids.


I have done the same for my day.  I have a 45 minute drive to work, so I plan on making the most of that time by listening to scripture (Max McLean's rendering of the ESV) and sermons.  I have also calculated how many calories I can consume and meal-planned accordingly in order to avoid being hostage to cravings and whatever junk food is handy.  (I'm also making it a goal to work out in various ways during the week, but that will be a luxury.)


Kel and I have worked really hard at lesson planning for my leadership class, and I feel very prepared for the year.  I'm excited for the things the kids will be learning and doing and I'm praying it makes a huge difference in their lives.  Being on top of all that has practically diminished all class-related stress.  


I plan on being intentional with my time during my off period.  I want to stay on top of encouraging others (primarily through e-mail) and taking care of all the paperwork associated with my job so there is little to be worried about after hours (since "after hours" won't really exist; just early hours and late hours).  


Bottom line is this:  I know that with my job as a teacher, my rhythm is a little different than yours.  However, the amount of work and work-related stress is probably not that different.  We are all striving to be the best  (fill in the blank) we can be.  That means preparation.  If I wait until things begin to start planning, I have already fallen victim to the undertow of work demands and will be lucky if I get back to the surface to breathe.  I've learned that if I don't want to live in chaos, I have to over-plan.  If I'm feeling overwhelmed, chances are I was under prepared.  Not anymore.


Thank God for helping me learn from my mistakes!