As I was beginning my studies at Wenatchee High School, Ed Pepple was beginning his career at Mercer Island High School.
In 41 years, he became the winningest high school basketball coach in our state. Before retiring in 2009, “Coach Pepp” amassed 936 career wins. No wonder my 84-year-old friend is a celebrity in our community.
Whenever Ed and I have breakfast, we feast on more than bacon and eggs. A side of basketball is always a must. Ed never tires of recalling memorable games he’s coached. And his interest in the game is not limited to our local high school team or the amazing Gonzaga Bulldogs.
Ever since his grandson Matt Logie became head basketball coach of Whitworth College, our time at the table includes catching up on Matt’s career. As you might guess, March Madness is Ed Pepple’s favorite season of the year.
But there’s another kind of March Madness that has nothing to do with round ball. It’s the emotional and mental struggle associated with this time of year. It’s the personal angst associated with lingering winter weather, paying-off holiday expenses and deep-sixing New Year’s resolutions.
This kind of March Madness also includes the confusion over personal worth, vocational value or life’s purpose. It’s a madness that inflicts itself on millennials as well as boomers.
Whereas the March Madness associated with our favorite basketball teams finds us joyfully passionate, the madness of the soul typically leaves us despairing. It’s a despair that does not automatically lift once April arrives. This longing for joy and freedom can last a long time.
The ancient Jews exiled in Babylon experienced a March Madness that lasted some seventy years. The full-court press of oppression would leave them defeated and dreading what was to come. It was against the backdrop of their unimaginable emotional paralysis the prophet Jeremiah voiced God’s game plan for a winning season.
“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
That’s a strategy to which Coach Pepple can relate. There were times in those winning seasons when his teams were struggling and in need of a “Pepp talk.” Outlining a strategy for winning (and encouraging his players to trust it) paid off. The fact that the coach had a good plan made all the difference.
As a student of the Bible, I am encouraged that our Divine Coach is engaged with those of us in the game of life. God has a plan for our lives even when we can’t discern His direction for the future. And that’s something worth cheering about!
It’s something worth reading the Bible for.
Rev. Greg Asimakoupoulos is the fulltime chaplain at Covenant Shores Retirement Community on Mercer Island. He is the faith and values columnist for the Mercer Island Reporter and contributes original poetry each Blue Friday to KOMO news radio.
