The Joy in the Sport:

As much as I didn’t want it to be, this summer has become very very busy.  I am trying to find moments to slow down, but it hasn’t completely worked out yet.  There are still a lot of things going on and a lot of places to be.  Some of the reasons have been big events like weddings, bachelorette parties, and small trips with family and friends.  Those have been wonderful memories, even if it has made the days long and tiring.  

However, I have also been very busy with moments of working with youth.  We have started cross country workouts in the morning for the cross country team I coach in the fall.  This has been really fun.  I love getting the opportunity to run with the kids in cross country and coach new runners to love the sport and the activity of running like I do. There is great fellowship and camaraderie with the kids amongst themselves that is so beautiful to see.  

I also have gotten the opportunity to work with Cole in Sports and Arts Camp this past week.  Sports and Arts camp was the theme of my church’s vacation Bible school this year. This has been a great chance to volunteer with my partner.  I also have always loved Vacation Bible School.  This was something I definitely looked forward to when I was a kid.  I would look forward to the chance to go to church for a week, play some games, create some crafts, learn some songs, and learn some more Bible stories.  I loved it so much that some summers I would go to two different Bible schools. 

Because of this I actually really enjoy getting the opportunity to serve in a Bible school role.  The theme of Sports and Arts came gave kids an opportunity to learn more about sport and art and how those two things can be something pleasurable, while at the same time being something we can honor God with.  There are plenty of ways to honor God and fellowship.  

Both of these recent experiences and opportunities have reminded me of the joy in the sport.  There is joy in having an opportunity to work together and do a sport with fellow believers. This is even those who are younger than you, those who you are trying to teach. This can be when you are doing something like teaching, coaching, or volunteering with kids you know and love. 

There are two challenges for this week.  The first is to see if you can have an opportunity to do a sport or get out and exercise. I think this is a great thing to do, especially if you live in an area like me and it is your summer.  This is the perfect time to do a sport or some exercise outside, getting fresh air, etc. It is so good and healthy for both your physical and mental health.  I know I personally love the opportunity and the chance to run and bike outside.  It helps me appreciate nature and helps me breathe overall better. 

Verses related to this topic is Romans 12:1-3 which says: 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

The second challenge was to see if you can take a younger person with you when it comes to things like exercise and hobbies.  This could be your own child if you have any children.  This could be some kids who are in your school if you are a teacher.  Maybe you could volunteer to work with one of their sports and play with them a bit at recess.  This could maybe be offering to volunteer at church and in the children’s ministry.  

Besides my opportunity to be involved in sports in school, I had many opportunities to start running because my mom took the time and ran with me.  We still get the chance to run together on a fairly regular basis, and we even will sometimes compete together.  This has impacted my life, and now I get the chance to meet and work with kids in this capacity.  I hope you can find this joy in many different ways. I hope you will all be encountered with the joy of serving, fellowship and sport this week.