RELATIONSHIPS November 23, 2009 Issue

'GOD BLESS COACH'

ROBERT STORM

WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN LOS ANGELES, my eyes were attracted to a bumper sticker on a car which read, "God Bless the Whole World—No Exceptions." Initially, my response was "How refreshing and uplifting." In the next instance, however, my thought became centered on leaders of particular countries who did not appear to be cooperative with other nations, even advocates of dangerous policies and practices. How quickly self-righteous indignation and self-justification squashed my initial inspiration. But just for a moment.

I was reminded of a time some years ago, when I had harbored deep resentment toward another person. As I turned to God for help, the importance of seeing and feeling the love of God in all we do and think was brought home to me.

My high school basketball coach had unfairly blamed me for the loss of a closely contested game in front of other team members and spectators in the stands. Minutes later, he had offered what I thought was a halfhearted apology, and I hadn't forgiven him.