Amy was a natural. From her earliest years she displayed the poise, concentration, flexibility and drive of a world class gymnast. She loved gymnastics, and worked hard at self-improvement, desiring to one day win a gold medal at the Olympics.
As she grew and improved upon her God given talents, she began to realize that talent alone was not enough. Her parents recognized her abilities and needs and encouraged her to seek out a coach who could help to set the conditions for her success. At length, Amy recognized their wisdom. She realized she would never achieve her goal without the assistance of a coach. So, following her parent’s advice, Amy prayerfully sought out a coach who would facilitate her dream, one who would prepare the way for her to become the world’s best.
As Amy sat across from coach Lawson she felt great joy in her heart. She knew she had found the coach whose talents and abilities would enhance her own, and under whose guidance and care she would realize her full potential and achieve her dream.
Among his many talents and characteristics, Coach Lawson was blunt. He observed Amy over time and recognized her potential, but saw that he would have to clarify and gain her consent to what their respective roles would be going forward.
“Amy…you are and will remain the focus, the purpose, of our union. I promise that everything I do for, and require of, you will be to help you to obtain your goal. I want no praise and desire no acclaim. My joy will be in watching you progress, and become, the world’s best.”
Carl went on; “However, if we are to get there, you must agree to submit to my directions, to follow my advice, and to give heed to my counsel.”
Amy trusted Coach Lawson, and sensed no arrogance, greed or lust for power in him. She knew he truly did not desire to control her, only to help her magnify her talents, to set the conditions for her to become a world champion. So she freely, even excitedly, consented to follow his guidance and to submit to his training rules….
Standing on the highest pedestal, tears streaming down her face and a gold medal dangling from around her neck, Amy look through her tears toward her coach. There he stood, hand over his heart as the national anthem played. She saw tears in his eyes and pure joy radiating from his face. She knew his joy was from seeing one he loved so much, with whom he had worked so long and hard, finally reach her dream. She also recognized that he truly saw her success and accomplishments as his own. He truly rejoiced to have been able to be the one to establish the conditions that helped Amy succeed!
In that instant Amy also felt deep gratitude that she had been wise enough to submit to his training and Amy also knew she would be eternally grateful that she had allowed him to coach her.