How Was Your Weekend?
September 30, 2015
What began four years ago as an idea to connect fathers with sons and give dads a behind the scenes look at the program their sons play in has turned in to one of the highlights of the year. Whether it is going to a Cubs game, playing basketball with an NBA player, or going out on a charter fishing boat, relationships in our program have deepened as we have welcomed our dads to peek behind the scenes of the IAm3rd Way. Here is the first in a series of blog posts written by the men who were on the 2015 Father/Son Retreat, spent whitewater rafting in West Virginia. This entry is from Tony Marlin, father of Senior All-American Point Guard Jonny Marlin.
On a typical Monday morning, I walk through the office door and get asked, "How was your weekend?" Responses typically are along the lines of "good" or "went too fast” or “relaxing” or “didn’t do much”....Well, this past weekend was spent with my son, Jonny Marlin, his Indiana Wesleyan teammates and coaching staff, and the players' and coaches' fathers. So on this Monday, my response could've been "great” or “went too fast” or memorable" but could not have been described as "didn't do much” or “relaxing." The best way I could describe it would "Life-changing". When you describe your weekend that way, you better be ready to explain..so let me explain.
The coaching staff puts together a weekend each year dedicated to the team, staff, and their fathers going away to spend time together to do something fun, and allowing time and space for everyone to connect and share. This year it was spent white water rafting in West Virginia. My thoughts could go to the beauty of God's creation--believe me it was on full display with the river, mountains, trees, and other things. I could describe the correlation on how the team is like the nine guys in our raft, the need to row together at times, or how if one falls there will be 8 others ready to reach in and lift them back to safety... much like the rough times we each experience in life. There are many other words or ways to describe the weekend, but the one that came out of my mouth was, "Life-changing"
Why life-changing? I saw a bunch of fathers that would do anything for their sons. Dads who understood that this phase of their son's life would impact their 'forevers' and are totally comfortable with placing our trust into the hands of the 5 great Christian men who make up the IWU coaching staff. Understanding that our influence will always be a part of their lives, yet knowing that in these years the time with the coaches and team will do a lot in determining the sort of man, husband, father, and friend they will be in their lives. I, for one, looked around the circle of 35 men huddled in fellowship and prayer on a Saturday night and can say that I am excited that this group will help mold my son. Life-changing for my son.
Life-changing for me. As a father, there are few things that I would rather do than to spend meaningful time with my son. Having a dedicated weekend to do that is special and changes you if you let it. I remember when my dad was my age, he told me "when you get older, time goes so much faster." That did not make sense at the time, but now I know that it's so true. That is why being able to slow life's clock down even for one weekend can put things in perspective. Being able to hear and share others life experiences provides a chance to focus on the truly important aspects of this time God gives each of us.
Life-changing for others. As I look at the 13 young men that comprise the 2015-16 Indiana Wesleyan basketball team, I am confident they will be "life-changers" now and in the future. These are men that have already used their lives to positively influence the lives of others. I see a coaching staff that will pour their lives into this group to prepare them to not only be positive contributors to society, but also be hands and feet of God to carry out the work He put them on this earth to complete. These men are not only leaders for tomorrow, but influencers of many today. Their basketball talent, individually and collectively, will provide them a platform to share with fellow students, fans, opponents, and countless others. I see a team that will drive each other to be better and reach higher levels in life than they would otherwise. This will allow each to be life-changers to those that God puts in their paths. Many peoples' 'forevers' will be changed by this group.
As I think about the past Father-Son weekend, I want to thank the IWU coaching staff for putting in the time and effort to plan such a trip. This gives me a chance to think about my son's awesome opportunity to be a part of this great program. The countless hours of practice, games, and traveling to tournaments while growing up provided a chance for Jonny to become a Wildcat. A few years ago, I was excited that he could play a role in helping this team win some games. I am still excited for that, but now realize that God put him in a place that will allow him to become the man he wants him to be, and has changed his life for His purpose so that he can change the lives of many others.
How was my weekend?...Life changing!!
Tony Marlin
Proud Father of Jonny and a Proud Member of the IWU Family