Last night I returned to “Learn to Play” adult hockey after a month’s absence. Being a youth pastor lends itself to having quite an erratic schedule, especially in the summer. And because of this, I had not been able to go on Tuesdays until last night. Instead, I had been getting my hockey fix and trying to hone my skills on Friday mornings. While Friday mornings allowed me to play, there was a completely different group of guys participating in the “Stick Time”.
I really missed the group of people on Tuesdays and was really looking forward getting back to playing with familiar faces. But I was surprised to find such a warm reception back at me when I returned last night.
“How was your trip?” ”I’ve been keeping up with you on Facebook.” ”You have a good time?” ”That sounds awesome.”
These were some of the questions and comments made when I walked into the ice rink. And I was quite overwhelmed at the attention paid to what was happening in my life outside of our Tuesday night hockey session. I felt quite at home with such a reception and a deep acceptance by these guys and ladies who shared a similar love of hockey.
As our usual skating drills began, business was conducted as usual. I’m happy to report I can do the outside edge drill much better when I wasn’t able a few weeks ago. Somewhere between drills our coach Jimmy stopped us to share with us some news.
Madeline, a figure skater, while getting in her car after her session last Wednesday, suffered a brain aneurysm at the age of 16. I had known about this because one of our teens is good friends with this girl, but Jimmy was sharing it with the rest of Tuesday hockey crew. He shared her status and that there had been a prayer service the evening before at the ice rink. And while he wasn’t sure what was going to happen, he believed that we should know about this because ice sports can be quite niche, and that we are all a part of a family when we come to that ice rink. As he finished, the 25 or so of us started to tap our sticks on the ice (universal gesture of support in hockey) in support of this girl. Every one had a sincere hope for the best in this girl’s life.
That’s a moment I had a hard time keeping it together.
This group of people who consist of those who have known each another for a long time, people among them who are brand new, or even complete strangers just starting out showed the traits of a family. A family that cared, shared the burden, and began to hope for a new day, a different outcome for this girl Madeline. It was beautiful.
This only deepens my core belief that God made us to be in relationship with one another. To carry one another when we can’t get up. To lend a hand when we see someone in trouble. To think, empathize, and care for every creature. To offer love in spite of any shortcoming, difference, or suffering.
I can only offer Madeline my thoughts and prayers at this point. I would ask that you do the same. But even further, may we see the situations we are in this week that we can offer more than prayers, and help each other in love. Maybe it comes by asking how someone’s life is when you haven’t seen them in a while (know that goes miles for a person as I experienced first hand last night). Maybe it is helping someone on the side of the road. Maybe it is reconciliation in a relationship gone sour. Whatever it may be, it might be the difference in someone’s life.
May we live into our roles as humans by loving as God loves us.
Blessings,
-M
