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And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.
-Isaiah 58:12
For years, I've heard debates about participation trophies being the greatest evil of my generation. I received many. At the time, and to this day, I felt the lesson was recognizing the value of showing up and doing the work. Because of that lesson and the examples of my parents and coaches and scout leaders I've continued showing up and doing the work, both in my work life and volunteer hours. In ministry, I have counted on my churches, and their families have counted on volunteers to teach, mentor, do setup, cleanup, sound and lights, coffee, service projects, and events. And as a volunteer in schools and scouting, I've seen the struggle of just finding enough warm bodies to supervise kids or get a small event or task completed.
Last Thursday, a small group of JCPC volunteers who have worked for months to secure sponsors and plan logistics and recruit golfers hosted those golfers for our annual tournament. There is only one trophy for the winning team, but if I had enough trophies and medals, I'd award every golfer and volunteer because their work raised over $11,000 that will go to youth and adult mission trips this year so they can show up and do the work and change countless lives. If you see anyone who did the work and showed up for this event, thank them.
As we recruit for these trips and for next year's tournament, my prayer is you'll consider being one who shows up and does the work. This scripture tells us that as God's people, we will be known as those who show up and do the work, that our very identity will be as people who came to do the work. I hope you'll join us.
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