The Olympic Games have successfully come to a close. For many of us this means the end of summer vacation and the beginning of a new school year.   Before we say goodbye to summer and get wrapped up in the activities of the new year, let's take a page from the playbook of the Olympic athletes and ask ourselves, What will it take to be the best that I can be this year - both in and out of the classroom?

In an attempt to keep your eye on the prize, try building a Pyramid of Success.  Created by former UCLA head basketball coach and committed Christian, John Wooden, this pyramid is designed to help us become the best person we can possibly be.   Coach Wooden, winner of 10 NCAA titles at UCLA and a member of the College Basketball Hall of Fame, knew how to work with, listen to, and motivate his players - thus creating championship teams and successful student-athletes.

Every pyramid, like every team, needs strong cornerstones and a solid foundation.  The cornerstones to Coach Wooden’s pyramid are Industriousness and Cooperation.   Between the cornerstones are three building blocks which complete the foundation: Enthusiasm, Friendship and Loyalty. How can you apply these principles to your life as a disciple and a student?

Industriousness:  There is no substitute for hard work.  When it comes to being successful, there is no easy way out.  Remember: worthwhile things come only through hard work and careful planning. (Galatians 6:9 - 10)

Enthusiasm: We must be willing to put our whole heart into our work.  Enthusiasm not only moves us closer to success, it is also contagious! (Ephesians 6:7)

Friendship:  To make a friend is to be a friend.  Friendship includes others and adds strength to the Pyramid. (John 15:15)

Loyalty:  Be faithful to God, yourself and those who depend on you.  Those who plan well find loyalty and faithfulness. (Matthew 22: 36 - 39)

Cooperation:  Remember the Golden Rule?  We need to be more interested in finding the best way rather than just having it our way. (Matthew 7:12)

THIS WEEK: Reflect on these steps. Pray about how they can help you be the person God has created you to be.  Use them to go back to school with a solid foundation that keeps Christ in your heart and Coach Wooden’s words of wisdom on your mind.

Prayer:
Lord,
Teach me to be generous;
teach me to serve You as You deserve;
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labor and not to ask for reward,
save that of knowing I am doing Your Will.
Amen.