Yesterday didn’t go so well. At least it didn’t go as we had planned. We planned on winning. Instead, we lost 4 to 2. Our boys, the coaches, and the parents walked away discouraged. Our loss came as a shock. We haven’t lost a game in any tournament thus far. In fact, we were only scored on in one game—ONE—throughout the entire District and State tournaments.
What went wrong? Well, it’s simple. Our team is made up of human children, who no matter how talented, they are is apt to make mistakes. It’s the nature of the beast. We fell into the same trap we all do from time to time when life is going really well. We tend to think we’re unstoppable—untouchable—nothing can bring us down, that our plans will succeed. Then, “it” happens. Whatever the “it” is in your life and mine tends to bring our perfect world to a devastating crash and fills our hearts with discouragement. These are the moments that ministry was made for.
My husband and I decided this was a perfect opportunity to teach our son how to respond in times of discouragement. Heaven knows…it won’t be his last. We want to teach all of our children that these are the times that call for ministry.
Instead of getting down and giving up, our family can help our team endure and press on. We can help remind them about how far we’ve come, who we really are, and that this is not a tragedy but something we can over come together. Since it takes two losses to be thrown out of the tournament, we can still win! But we won’t win unless we turn from discouragement and decide to persevere. Most of the time, it takes a cheerleader—a person with a different perspective—to turn things around. We hope to be this for our team.
Losing the game provided an opportunity to enforce this truth we attempt to teach our son regularly. Ministry is not something we grow into. Life provides ministry opportunities everyday—for all ages!
It’s strange how we think of ministry. It’s a speaking platform; a bible-study class, working in VBS or going on a mission trip with your church. No. Ministry is encouraging the discouraged. It’s baby-sitting for the single parent in your neighborhood, or if you’re me it’s helping the elderly person who sat by you on the plane get to the baggage claim—one shuffle forward at a time!
This is how I want my children to view ministry. It’s not something we do when we get older or when we find our “calling.” Ministry is something we do as Believer’s every day. You and I don’t have to look far. God is always providing opportunities.
elaine @ peace for the journey says
The closer I get to Jesus, the more he’s requiring of me. In fact, he’s exhausting me with a constant test of “patience and perspective” as I muddle through these days of heat and hot and hard.
It’s hard to minister in times like these. I’m currently involved in telling the VBS Bible stories at our church this week. Last night? Gideon.
I almost wanted to cry when I told the kids that God has called us his mighty warriors! I felt far from mighty in that moment, but I felt so privileged to tell the stories of God’s Word to his little children.
Kingdom work happens in the ordinary…most days in spite of my ordinary. I just want to be used by him, however he chooses.
peace~elaine
Kathy S. says
Thanks, Micca! We talk and pray daily to be a light, but ministry hasn’t come up…I’ll be working that word into our daily times more!
What would I do without all my blog encouragement???
Renee Swope says
No wonder you won the Mother of the Year award! You are so full of everyday wisdom. We talk to our kids about being encouragers but you just put it all so well. I am going to read this to my kids tonight. In fact our pastor and their family are coming for dinner so I think I’ll read it as our family devotion with them.
Love you girl!
R
On Purpose says
You preach it sister!
“Ministry is in the everday”
Lelia Chealey says
Ministry is something we do as Believer’s every day. You and I don’t have to look far. God is always providing opportunities.
AMEN sister!!! That’s what I’ve been trying to teach my 7 yr old about worship…that it’s not just the praise music time we have at church, it’s everyday life. How we treat others, words we choose to speak…we worship Him with our lives every day if we choose, not just on Sundays.
Very very good Micca!!