A few of my favorite things

You know that song, “These are a few of my favorite things?” I’m drawing a blank on the movie, but I’m sure you are either singing the song or you are shouting at the newspaper the name of the movie that the song is from. Or maybe you’re thinking of your favorite things. The truth is, we all have favorite things. We all have things we like, things that bring us good feelings, and things that bring us joy.

 

If you haven’t already, I want you to think of a few of your favorite things. Maybe it’s your family or special people in your life. These people are good gifts from our God, who loves us very much. Maybe it’s a talent you have or something you are good at, and you find joy playing piano or guitar. Maybe you love to sing. God has given us these things in our life so that we can find enjoyment in our life. Maybe it’s sports or an activity. I believe God has given us these things in life so we can find Him in every area of life.

 

I love sports. And I’m blessed to be on the coaching staff for the Waseca Blue Jays. Let’s go, Jays!! I love students and I love to watch them do what they love to do. One of my favorite things is to watch our seniors play their hearts out every game. I have a senior on the team this year. I love to see him play his best and enjoy his teammates. I really do enjoy the upper class men who have been getting better and better each year. But I also love that I am one of the 9 th grade coaches. For all of them, this is their first year playing high school football, and for some of them, this is their first year playing at all. I love that I get to help develop their skills and give them an opportunity to enjoy the game of football.

 

You know, it’s kind of like our faith. I love that I am a Jesus-follower. It is my absolute favorite thing. And as I follow Jesus, I get to point others to Jesus as well. I feel very fortunate that I get to do this as a pastor, but I really don’t think God intended for just pastors to disciple younger Jesus-followers. God intended for all of us to fulfill the Great Commission together. We are all on the front lines and God wants to use all of us to share His love with those around us.

 

As I think of my favorite things, I also truly enjoy being a part of the family of God at my local Church. I believe there is nothing better than the church being who the church is called to be. As we love one another, being the hands and feet of Jesus, we get to experience Jesus together. As we are being light and bringing hope, building a family together. I love that we are united by the Holy Spirit to bring those who are far away from God into His family. And then, as people grow in their faith, they see the need to be a part of a church family, too. The church is such an important piece of the puzzle that is growing in faith.

 

It’s kind of like the football team we’re working so hard to field. Each player is unique and each of them bring different skills and abilities to the team. Every one of the players is necessary. And it’s our job as coaches to help them be all they can be to play the game as one team, not 11 individuals. So as coaches, we are working hard to create a cohesive unit, ready to fulfill the purpose of playing one of my favorite sports. As they gain new skills and master the ones they’re learning, they are becoming a great football team. I love seeing how it all comes together.

 

Just like a football team, as Christians, we also have our created purpose. Ephesians 2:10 writes, “we are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which He has prepared in advance for us to do.” Our purpose is to work together with others who love Jesus to fulfill His calling in our lives. So whether you are part of the experienced generation or the emerging one, whether you have been a Christian for a long time or you are new to faith, you belong on our team. And you have an amazing opportunity to live out God’s purpose for your life.

 

If you’re not on Team Jesus, let me encourage you to let Him change your life. Call me and let’s chat about a few of my favorite things, beginning with Jesus. If you are on Team Jesus, it’s time to get on the field and play your heart out for our Coach.

 

I’m rooting for you. God is on the move and never forget that we’re on the winning team!