It's really easy to get frustrated when a player shows up late, especially when they haven't given you a heads up that they're gonna be late. The same can be said for kids showing up to class late.

I've been guilty of showing up to church late. And I think this is where I heard this phrase. Rather than getting annoyed, or judging that person, or scolding them in front of the group for being late. You simply say, “

I'm so glad you're here is everything OK?”

Yeah Coach everything is fine I just had to pull my car around and there was traffic at that stoplight. Yes teacher, I had to stop at my locker because I forgot my book. Sorry God, I'm late for church because I overslept.

Then there's the flipside of that. I was late because I got pulled over. I was late because I had to bring my sister to school first. I was late because I was taking a math test. I was late because I had detention.

Once we find out the reason, we can then have a conversation about accountability, and commitment, and making sure that our lateness is not chronic, and that we respect each other's time. Once we find out, yes, everything's OK, we have a platform on which we've established that we care about the person first, and then we can help them grow and hold them accountable to being on time.

My challenge for you is the hold your scolding until you found out that everything is OK. Then, calmly have a conversation about responsibility.