First Baptist Church of Herndon

A Special Hall of Fame

Linda Soller | Jun 23, 2014

A few weekends back I had the distinct honor of attending the installation of the very first class of inductees into the Herndon High School – Athletics – Hall of Fame. Before there’s any confusion, let me just say I wasn’t being inducted. If you know me now, or knew me then, I don’t need to say any more. You see the high school is over 100 years old. The current administration and coaches felt it was time to remember a long tradition of stellar athletics at their beloved school. In a very large school district HHS is one of the few high schools so closely associated with the town surrounding it. As the master of ceremonies said, it was like coming home, to a very connected community, with a long tradition of excellence. Our family was thrilled to attend because my father was being honored from the class of 1947. He would have been so touched by the entire event. He not only attended HHS, he returned to make a career of teaching and coaching there, and all three of his children graduated from HHS. Many people in that room knew him. As one honoree put it, “I thought Mr. Ashwell was just my P.E. teacher, who knew he was a super star?” Well maybe not a super star, but certainly a natural born athlete, sports fanatic, and dedicated supporter of young people. My mother, my two siblings, four of his six grandchildren, three spouses, and I were there for Dad’s moment. I was so impressed with the accomplishments of all of the honorees. They had accomplished much as young people, and were continuing to do so as adults.

To become really good at a sport, even for a naturally athletic person, takes a perfect blend of dedication, practice, focus, and support. I truly admire athletes. I enjoy watching most sports, whether I know the rules or not, because I appreciate what it takes to play a sport well. Actually those same traits are needed to do just about anything well. Each day we get up and put ourselves out there in the world to compete. We compete for attention, for time, for tasks, for the things we have decided we want and need to be happy. The daily routine or game requires that we are dedicated to our goal, that we practice to be the best we can be, that we focus on our objective, and last, but far from least, that we graciously accept support. Support comes from many places. It could be the bus driver who keeps you on schedule, the skill of the barista in your local coffee shop who sees you coming and starts your favorite coffee, or mom and dad writing that check for college. We have to be careful not to become so focused on our destination that we overlook the support that is critical to our success.

Faith is much the same way. To grow in your faith requires that you’re dedicated, that you practice what you preach, that you focus on living as God tells you to live, and that you rely on the support systems he has in place for you. Like an athlete you need to expect some struggles, some losses, some close calls, and some victories. There will be painful times and times of excitement. People will feel your losses with you and share in the joy of your victories. All the way God will be cheering for you, as your biggest fan. The rest of us who cheer for you, admire your work, and understand your level of effort are quite sure that one day you will make it to that very special Hall of Fame, where God knows everyone’s name and we all get to share in his glory!

Have a great week!  :o)    Linda