Florida State's coach (well, he's now retired after 55 years) was on "Fox and Friends" this morning talking about his new book, Called to Coach: Reflections on Life, Faith, and Football. Bowden is right that we are all here for a purpose, and the implication of his message -- that all of life is spiritual -- is also right.

This includes coaching. And I must say, those who think life lived in community with our Creator means cutting yourself off from his good gifts are sorely mistaken. A low view of the physicality of life has more to do with ancient Greek dualism that took a low view of matter than with holistic living based on verifiable and actionable information from the Creator.

Coaching -- as well as teaching, science, politics, nurturing a strong family life -- is just as much a calling before the Creator as is any other vocation in life, including preaching. Remember, Jesus of Nazareth was not wasting his time, nor was he being less spiritual, while he worked as a carpenter.

Assuming one has the necessary knowledge base, what makes a good coach at any level? Love the sport, love the person you are coaching, demand excellence -- and praise hard work and dedication even if the final product is not world-class.

It helps mightily if you live in community with God and man -- for sports is an expression of excellence, achievement, aesthetics, creativity, and physicality, all of them tremendously positive gifts from the hand of the Creator and expressive of his character.

That's why we might also say: There will be football (and soccer!) fields in Heaven. And the harps may well be electrified. The Creator, quite literally, is not a spoilsport.