Defining the Win

In 29 hours from the time I am writing this the Opening Ceremonies for the Olympic games will be starting. I can't wait. I love the Olympics, I love sports, but the Olympics are special to me because I remember growing up and the whole family sitting around to watch. Even now, Shelley and the girls will sit to watch the Olympics, it seems to be more than just a sporting event.

One of the things I find interesting is how we determine the 'win'. During the winter games in 2010, Canada was all about 'owning the podium', 'believe'. This year it seems we are more about 'its great to be there'. This is understandable, as Canadians we do much better at the winter games than we do at the summer games. CTV's Believe commercials all year have even featured more international athletes, perhaps so we don't set unrealistic expectations for how many medals Canada should bring home. That is fine, its important to determine what a win looks like. For some it may be just getting there. For someone like Michael Phelps I am sure a win would be nothing short of gold.

As we look ahead to the fall, I am seeking God on how we as a youth ministry define a 'win'. Is it based events, numbers, spiritual growth, impacting our community? I don't know. For me I try to look at the Great Commission, the call to go and make disciples. But in that context how do we define a win.

I think its important that we define what a win looks like, it gives us focus and also a chance to celebrate when we see wins. What do you think, how would you describe a win, both for yourself as you head into this new school year and also for our youth group - what does a win look like? If you figure it out, send me an email, let me know.

PT

Halfway

We are just about at the halfway mark of the summer. It is crazy when you think just how fast summers can go. I have found that the older you get the faster time seems to go in every way. I remember in high school thinking just how looooong a week seemed to go by and now I feel like a blink and its a new month.

Maybe it is some sort of 35 year old wisdom or soemthing that happens when you have kids. As we look ahead to the coming year and start planning things I am struck by what a small window we all have to impact our friends, family and the world. Let's not waste it.

I am also looking forward to next week as we head to Halifax for a couple of weeks with my family. I can't wait to hit the beach and visit with friends and family.

Enjoy the second half of summer, sleep in, play video games, but don't forget to connect with those around you, stay up late, go to a drive in movie, be embarrassed by your parents, when you're 35 those moments will mean so much more.

PT