Yes or No-Face

The following devotion was created from a devotion on www.fcaresources.com.

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”  – Galatians 5:22

President Thomas Jefferson was traveling with a group across the country on horseback in the early 1800’s.  The group approached a large river that needed to be carefully crossed. A stranger appeared and wondered how he was going to get across. He looked at the President and asked if he could get a ride across the river. Thomas Jefferson said, “Sure, hop on!” As the stranger slid off the horse on the other side, someone questioned why he asked the President for a ride and not someone else in the group. The stranger replied, “I didn’t know he was the President. All I know is that his face said yes, and all your faces said no!”  For some of us, our face has already spoken before we even open our mouths.

Unfortunately, many officials, coaches, athletes, teachers, neighbors, bosses, and friends wear the No-Face. Many don’t realize they are coming across that way and don’t want to wear the No-Face.  But, some people are great at wearing the Yes-Face. Who has that been in your life--a coach, teacher, parent, spouse, or boss?

Coaches, Players, and Crewmates watch our non-verbal communication. They often know what we are saying without us saying a word.  What does a Yes-Face say? Here are 10 defining characteristics of a Yes-Face:

1.       Positive

2.       Trusting

3.       Confident

4.       Refreshing

5.       Smiling

6.       Available

7.       Approachable

8.       Inviting

9.       Gentle

10.   Forgiving

A Yes-Face is simply the outward expression of an inward experience. As followers of Christ, the inward experience is the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

“Just as water reflects your face, so your face mirrors your heart.”–Proverbs 27:19

1.          How can a crewmate(s) with a No-Face impact the crew dynamic? How about Yes-Face?

2.          Who in your life would win a Yes-Face gold medal?

3.          What is your face saying? What would your crew say?