| PASTOR'S WEEKLY DEVOTION When I first heard of it I thought of one chaotic and out- of-control experience that I just had to witness. So, I went along. It was the end-of-the-year 5th grade bash. The entire 5th grade were taken to Vincennes University's recreation center for 3 hours, that's right 3 hours, of swimming, bowling, basketball, pool, volleyball and more. Of course, there were treats and soft drinks as well. You can imagine the craziness of letting all those 10-12 year olds loose in a fantasy playground. It was really cool. What I witnessed was a wonderful 3 hours of teachers and kids letting down the disciplinary walls that normally separate them and building bridges of fun and relationship that brought them together. It was obvious that these teachers really care about these kids and that the feeling was reciprocated by the kids for the teachers. It was a night of hugs and smiles, celebrations and laughter and a sending forth. This rite of passage was an unburdening of all the concerns of the year... ...the lost homework, the need for help at Christmas, the poor self image, the inflated self image, the bully, the class helper, the kid whose parents were always there, and the kids whose parents lost the right to raise him/her, the tight class budget, the lost day of camp, the added day at the park, the struggle with grades, the frustration with Isteps, the joy of achieving students and the challenge of special needs. All these evaporated in a 3 hour period as the balance of power, authority and academics were equalized with caring, sharing and looking forward. Jesus reminds us that when we feel overloaded there is one place to go; to Him. In Matthew he invites us to stop with him and take stock in what we are doing and why. He invites us to evaluate that which makes us tick most often; that which drives us to do what we do. He claims we will experience a lightening of our load that will quicken our step and renew our strength and vision. He promises that he will give us rest. Our restfulness will come from the discovery of our true joy. As energetic as the evening was, I experienced a rest as the relationship between teacher and student became evident in the flavor of the evening. It was clear as to why they do what they do. They love kids. They love learning. They love making a difference. It was contagious. Today, take time out to rest in the joy of the moment. Stop and take stock in the "why" of what you are doing. I believe that when you do, you will be renewed to keep on going. Sharing in Faith,
Rev. Craig W. Duke |
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