I.C.E.
I – Imagination
C – Conscience
E – Exercises
Catchphrases and acronyms are effective tools in teaching young athletes the principles to success in basketball and Lifeball.
Greatness begins with imagination, if you can’t imagine it, you will not be able to do it. The good teacher/coach/parent imagines the highest potential; the ultimate possibility. They see greatness in the student, long before the student becomes the reality of the leader’s encouragement.
5 years ago a giant of a boy was not having success in basketball. He was getting beat like a rag doll by more experienced players.
One day we pass by each other. I stopped and said to him, “Someday you are going to be an All American.” This tiny seed I planted took root. No longer is he the rag doll! Now his opponents look like rag dolls flailing to keep up with him.
Imagination is uniquely human. It is God’s special gift to us.
Conscience is the control center to the subconscious mind. It is the tip of the iceberg. The want too, the EQ (emotional intelligence), is housed in the massive iceberg below the water. We grow EQ with positive words.
Exercise is the doing until the goal is reached. It is the hard work. No pain no gain.
Clearly the Lord lived I.C.E. for each of us. He calls us chosen, holy and dearly loved. He told us how to dress and He exercised faithfully for us, to the point of going to the cross willingly.
Paul has amazing words in Colossians 3:12-17.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
