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July-September, 2022

The Best Job Ever

by Rev. Larry Glenz, Ordained Ministerial Counselor

“I will accept my part in God’s plan for salvation.”  (W-pI.98)

I have had the honor of coaching boys’ lacrosse at Lynbrook High School for a very long time. I started in 1972 and have coached in the program now for 50 consecutive seasons. Not many coaches get that opportunity and it has certainly shaped the path of my adult life.

Last month I was honored by the National Interscholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association (NILCA) with an induction into their Hall of Fame. Ten coaches from across the country get honored each year as the game of lacrosse continues to spread like wildfire in all parts of the U.S. The induction alone was humbling, no doubt. But there was something else going on that made my heart soar.

“God’s peace and joy are mine.” (W-pI.105)

The Hall of Fame induction was being held on Long Island where I live and have coached all these years. The other inductees mostly came from different states and had to travel a long way to receive the honor. As they say in sports, I had the home field advantage.

To my surprise over 50 former players paid $130 a head on a Saturday night to see me receive my award and give a 5-minute speech. These former players consisted of men in their 60’s, 50’s, 40’s, 30’s, and 20’s. Former teammates of mine in college, now in the 70’s, were also in attendance. They were fired up and full of love to see each other. It was a joyous night!

“I am surrounded by the Love of God.” (W-pII.264)

Many, many more contacted me by phone, email, and texts to tell me specifically how I influenced their lives. The rush of love that I was receiving made me feel overwhelming gratitude for the position of teacher and coach that was given to me 50 years ago.

They talked with me all night about the brotherhood that brought them all together that night. After the awards dinner we all went out to a local pub where I received hugs, kisses, and slaps on the back. All I felt that night was love and deep gratitude for my job as teacher and coach. I stayed until the last one left. It was 3 am!

“God is my strength. Vision is his gift.” (W-p.I.42)

There was one table there of ten 38 year-old men. They were my late son Kevin’s closest friends. A few of them did not play lacrosse but came to honor their friend Kevin by honoring his father. They also befriended Kevin’s brother Matt in the years since Kevin’s passing and sat with him at the dinner. That gesture of loving compassion from all these young men touched my heart most deeply.

In my short speech I expressed the love I have received from these former players in both the good times and bad. Hundreds reached out to me in sincere love when Kevin died in 2010 and hundreds more reached out in celebration and joy on this glorious night.

They told so many old stories—sometimes different versions of the same stories, it seemed to me. As they say, never let the truth get in the way of a good story. But we all laughed and laughed and laughed even more.

“I trust my brothers, who are one with me.” (W-pI:181)

The joy of union with my brothers during this wonderful evening had my thoughts moving rapidly all night. There weren’t many moments where I wasn’t in discussion with the former players, catching up on their lives. They told me how much they valued their time with me when they were young men.

“Love is the way I walk in gratitude.” (W-pI.195)

My constant thoughts were of gratitude for a life of teaching history to teenage boys and girls and coaching high school boys in football, wrestling, and lacrosse. There is nothing more satisfying than observing how these kids have turned into such impressive men.

The many kindnesses showered upon me reinforced my belief of how I have been carried by Spirit throughout my life. I look forward with great anticipation of how Spirit will use me today and give thanks for being given the best job ever.

“To give and to receive are one in truth.” (W-pI.108)

© 2022, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
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