Enjoying The Show

Last night, we watched one of the great movies of 2011, MONEYBALL. It is the interesting story of Billy Beane, the general manager of baseball's Oakland A's. In 2011, Beane developed an innovative system of picking up productive players without spending much money. Like many movies about baseball, MONEYBALL is about so much more than baseball. It is the story of a father and daughter. Beane throughout the movie gets a chance to walk away from all the pressures of his job to spend time with his only child who is twelve in the movie.Through all the pressures of building a winning sports franchise, Beane learns an important lesson: ENJOY THE SHOW! MONEYBALL is less about baseball and money as much as it is about loving the process. Enjoying the opportunities we have day in and day out to succeed. We are always looking at the finish line (even when we don't know what and where that is). Youth ministry is no different. We are looking for the top of mountain to come soon. Maybe several students will give their hearts to Jesus. Maybe thirty kids will show up at a youth group. Maybe they will throw a celebration in your honor. Maybe you will write a best-selling book about youth ministry (this is not possible). Meanwhile, we miss the little things that make this calling so enjoyable. It is the car rides, singing at the top of your lungs with students. It is playing X-Box all night. It is laughter and tears. These moments are more special than we ever realize. They are part of the Show. You never know how long the Show will last. Today is here to enjoy. I think the Bible said a thing or two about living for the day and the moment. As I head into the twilight of my calling, I will consider more upon these things.