Dad hated the phrase, “I’m bored.” He believed great coaching, teaching, and parenting never allowed for boredom. He believed it was the responsibility of the teacher and the student to work together to create exciting learning opportunities. Erin Westgate, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Florida, studies boredom. She says, “Boredom is often a signal that something does not feel meaningful. It’s a way that our body and mind are alerting us that something is wrong.”

Dad was a dynamic coach. He was many things, but he was never boring. He lived in the center of the present moment and found ways to speak to what matters most. Dad believed that Christianity and an intimate relationship with Christ was the most transformational, alive, and dynamic relationship on earth. It was the furthest thing from boredom. Dad made the Bible relevant and interesting. He became so excited about something he learned, we all jumped in. When Dad led devotionals, everyone was engaged. I think one reason they were so compelling was that Dad was learning the entire time. The information wasn’t static but something that was filling him like a fountain of energy. The discovery was always mutual. Dad rejoiced in hearing what my girls were learning from the Lord – this energized my Dad. He worked hard not to make devotionals or teaching times pedantic or static. I loved that Dad was a life learner and an amazing coach for basketball and life.

Thanks, Dad, for being a great teacher to me; you were never boring!

I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king. – Daniel 2:23

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