In case you didn't know this about me, in my spare time I coach soccer at Rustburg High School. Coaching soccer has been a part of my life for the better part of ten years now and is something that I am deeply passionate about. The greatest joy I receive from it is being able to form relationships with my guys and watching them develop into solid soccer players. Last night, was one of those instances that you might call "worth it" moments. Those moments when you say okay "I am not just spinning my wheels here." The team I coach, the JV squad, had a rough go of it with EC Glass, but in the second half showed a lot of grit and fight to keep things interesting. The special moment came in the varsity game where we have 14 seniors, including, my oldest son. Of those 14 seniors, I have been blessed with the opportunity to coach 12 of them at some level and many of them I have been with since they were as young as 8 or 10. Seeing them play at such a high level is a confirmation, but what happened after the game was even more special. A couple of those guys followed me out to my car and just chatted for few minutes about their lives and their frustrations knowing that I would listen and care about what was going on. I was grateful for the opportunity to be there for them.
So what does this have to do with us a church family? I wanted to encourage you to be actively engaged in kid's lives whether it's on a soccer field, or a basketball court, watching them at a play, or encouraging them to be successful in the classroom. Our kids need us. At Hyland Heights, we want to give you as parents opportunities to share some special moments and special memories with your children and teens. This coming Sunday during the 10:55 AM service, the children's ministry will be helping to lead the service with something we call FX. FX stands for family experience and gives moms and dads the opportunity to worship together. We are moving FX into the main sanctuary this week and we want to invite everyone to be a part. From parents to kids to grandparents, even our single adults will enjoy this special day. Dr. Wheeler is still speaking, Tim is still leading worship, and there will be a few fun surprises along the way. I hope that all of you will plan on joining us.
Did you know that if you have a first grader that you only have 543 weekends remaining with your child until they graduate from high school? By the time they reach middle school, that number drops to less than 350 and by high school it is less than 200. I now have less than a handful of weekends until my oldest goes off to college, so every weekend is special. Last night as I watched the varsity soccer team play, I couldn't help but think that in less than two months, ten years of pouring into these guys on a soccer field will be over. Win or lose the games aren't as important as those guys knowing I love and support them. Now I am asking you our church family to be a part of Sunday's service, bring your kids and family members. Let's love and support one another. If you don't have family here we will ask you to adopt one or two and lift them up in prayer. Together we can make an impact on our community thorough strong families.
Serving His Kids with a Passion,
Mike