Slowing Down to Show Compassion

Life as a sports mom is busy. Some days it feels like I’m constantly rushing from one field to the next, barely taking a breath in between. I often find myself frustrated when something slows me down—traffic, long lines, or even conversations that seem to go on too long. I just want to get where I need to be on time.

Not long ago, I had one of those days. One child had just finished a game, and in less than 45 minutes my other child was starting at a completely different field—30 minutes away. The

timing was tight, and as soon as the game ended, I was ready to run. But then the coach kept talking. He had already gone over the game, and now it felt like they were just talking. I could feel my frustration building as the clock ticked, and I’ll admit, I was annoyed.

As we finally walked to the car, my son looked at me and said, “Coach was telling us how proud he is of us, and how we make a difference in his life. He thanked us for being such a great team to coach and said he hopes to coach us again next year. Then he asked us to share something positive about our day.”

In that moment, my heart sank a little. While I was upset about the delay, this coach was pouring encouragement into my son and his teammates. He was reminding them of their worth, their teamwork, and the joy they bring into his life. He wasn’t wasting time—he was investing in these boys in a way that will stick with them long after the season ends.

It made me stop and think about my attitude. I was so caught up in the rush and the stress of getting to the next event that I almost missed the beauty of what was happening right in front of me. I realized how thankful I am for a coach who doesn’t just focus on wins and losses, but on the hearts and character of his players. Not every coach takes that time, but he did, and it made a difference.

That day reminded me that sometimes the very things that frustrate us the most can actually be blessings. A delay, a pause, a slower moment; it can all serve a bigger purpose. Maybe it’s keeping us safe. Maybe it’s giving us a lesson we didn’t know we needed. Or maybe it’s simply an opportunity to practice patience and compassion.

We never know what the people around us are going through. A rude word or an impatient sigh could be the breaking point for someone who’s struggling. On the other hand, a kind word, a little grace, or a moment of encouragement could be exactly what they need.

We tell our kids not to bully, to be kind, and to treat others with respect. But as adults, we have to remember to live by those same lessons. We make the world better when we start with ourselves, when we slow down, choose compassion, and show by example what kindness really looks like.

So, the next time you feel that frustration bubbling up, I encourage you to pause. Take a breath. Look for the good in the moment. Because sometimes, the very thing slowing us down is the thing shaping us, or someone we love, for the better.