Who’s In Your Crew?

I’m not going to lie….sometimes having to go to soccer practice 3 times a week and games on the weekends can get a little much. But it’s times like these, in these moments that I can really just sit back and observe…..and if you pay close enough attention….it’s in these times that the kids can teach us old people a lesson.

I am completely amazed at how my oldest son’s team has progressed over the past 2 years. Of course their skills have improved, but its their teamwork and how they really know each other and how each member of the team plays is what impresses me the most.

It is that way with just about every relationship we have in our lives though. The more you hang out with someone, the more you know them. It gets to a point where you can tell when they are having a great day or not so good of a day.

These boys are all young and aren’t all professionals by any means, but when they are working together, when they are inside each other’s heads, they look like a well-oiled machine out there. They can move down the field making passes that are well beyond their age…..putting the ball in the position to score…..and when they play like that, most of the time they do score.

At other times they look completely lost…..there is no connection…..they seem to be all alone out there and trying to do it on their own. It is in those times that the ending score is not in their favor. But in those moments, there is opportunity for growth and learning as well.

I guess the point to my story is this…..who is in your crew? Who knows you the best? Who is there for you when you are down….when you are up? Who is there to receive your pass and at the same time pass the ball to you when they are surrounded by defenders?

As I think about my “crew,” I definitely have one. I probably couldn’t say that a few months ago. Of course I have my family….they have always been there….but now I have friends at work….friends at church…..people I can go to if I need advice or just someone to talk to.

As is says in Proverbs 27:17, ” Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.” It is so important for us to have others to encourage us in times of despair….to challenge us in faith….to help keep us on the straight path….to help push us towards our goals.

I recently finished reading the book of Acts. I found it amazing the way those early followers of Christ came together as a team…..with the sole purpose of spreading the love of Christ to others. I don’t believe there was anything that those early Christians wouldn’t have done for each other.

“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47

I’m not comparing my son’s soccer team to the early Christ followers….but at the same time…..they spend hours a week together. They know each other inside and out. They help encourage each other when one may be down (for the most part…they are still young boys.). And I’m pretty sure at least half of the team spend their Sunday mornings together at the same kid’s church.

It’s cool how much we can learn from our kids. It’s cool to see that they know at such an early age that they can’t do everything alone. When do we lose that I wonder? When do we decide we don’t need to depend on others?

Either way, I have learned that I can’t make it through life without the help and encouragement from close friends and family. I’m glad I have found those that support me in my endeavors and those that I can help out if the call ever comes. We all need to stick together. Jesus didn’t have just Peter…..Jesus had a group of like minded individuals with Him. And that group of like minded individuals continued to go, and reach out, and grow their ranks even after Jesus had ascended back to heaven.

These times we live in can be tough….if you believe everything you see and hear on the news there is very little to celebrate. But you know what……as I sit here watching 100 children work together as multiple teams, for a common goal, I have hope in our future. I know it is only soccer….but it all has to start somewhere right?

These kids are learning that it isn’t always about winning, but supporting their teammates, to encourage, to work together for a common goal (no pun intended.)

I pray that we can all find a “crew”……a group of people we can gather with and break bread, pray, spread the love of Christ. A group of people who can encourage, and not tear down. A group of people who can pass and receive depending on the circumstances around us. I pray you can find that group similar to the group I have found. And better yet, if you need another crew member, let me know. I’m always here if you need me.