For Another Reason

Recently Sonja and I found ourselves in Branson, Missouri sitting on the second row from the stage in an auditorium with hundreds of screaming teenagers and a rapper group on the stage going full blast.

The difference between a typical Saturday morning at our residence and where we were that Saturday was like the difference between being on planet Earth and planet Jupiter.

For example, Jupiter’s Great Red Spot is a gigantic storm that’s about twice as wide as Earth, circling the planet in its southern hemisphere. At the storm’s center, winds are relatively calm, but on its edges, wind speeds reach 270-425 mph (430-680 km/h). That’s more than twice the speed of even the strongest hurricanes on Earth, which can generate wind speeds of up to 175 mph. (Source: Space.com)

Another name for Jupiter’s Great Red Spot is Ozark Winterfest (an annual retreat for young people) and there we were on the second row.

Later that afternoon the question, “Is there anything you feel too old to do anymore?” was posed to me and the answer was easy– “Yes! Attend a rap concert!”

But…

There we were.

Why? Because we wanted to show almost 200 young people from the great state of Illinois, where we minister, that we care about them and we wanted to express an atta-boy and God bless you to the dedicated pastors, youth pastors, and youth ministers/workers who were sacrificing to be there and make it possible for their young people to be there.

In other words, we were there for others, not ourselves.

Sonja and I are no hero and deserve no medals. That’s what ministry and maturity is about. Whether its parents, a team member down at the factory or office, or volunteers at a local school, non-profit or church…people who live meaningful lives that make a difference don’t make life about themselves and what they want to do. They do things because it is best for others.

The ONE THING for today: The next time you find yourself feeling too old or too ______ to be somewhere or to do something, just ask yourself, “Am I doing this for me or for another reason?” And if that other reason is to enrich the life of other…then chances are you probably need to show up.

Photo by NASA on Unsplash