Just watching and pondering
Rev. Nancy Gammill
Friday, January 26, 2007
I was sitting right behind the backboard and so had an up close and personal look at how the players interacted with one another. Both teams, men and women, were obviously very supportive of one another, and it would appear that our very able coaches have done great job in promoting community within these groups. What was interesting to me were the “signs” that were used among the team members to communicate that kind of community and trust with one another.
For example, the women players were very quick to join hands and say a quick “prayer” whenever they were going to do something special; perhaps one of them was getting ready to take their turn at the free throw line, and they wanted to indicate they were behind her all the way. I don’t really know what was said in that two second circle, but obviously it was almost an automatic response for them. At other times, they would simply touch hands, pat a back or offer a quick word of encouragement.
The men, on the other hand, were much more assertive about the way they demonstrated community, and more often one on one than as a team it seemed, although it was clear they were no less committed to the good of the entire team. Often one player would go up to another after they had performed especially well and get in their face to tell them “good job” or bump chests with them (which guys seem especially prone to do, have you noticed?). Or if someone had experienced a difficulty, I observed, the same folks would be there, quick to slap them on the back or offer a word of encouragement.
However it happened, the “signs” of community among the players were apparent, and I don’t think these teams would be nearly as successful without those signs being as automatic as they are. Obviously, the players on these teams care a great deal about each other as individuals and how they perform and how they feel. That’s what makes them good — no, great teams!
So, being a preacher and all, I got to thinking about Christian community. Okay, maybe I let my mind drift a little, but when has your mind not drifted when listening to a sermon, after all. I got to thinking about the “signs” that we as Christians use when we are in community with one another, either in the “auditoriums” of our churches or when we simply run into each other on the streets. Do we greet one another with more than just “Hi, how are you?” or “Hey, how is it going?” Do we just offer a quick handshake and move on, or do we take time to speak, offer a word of peace or encouragement, take time to say “what’s happening with you?” and then really listen when they answer? Can we offer a “shalom” to one another, the Hebrew word for peace and a holistic life and really mean it? Can we take time for a hug or maybe a cup of coffee and conversation? Perhaps we even have time for a quick prayer and a promise of a visit or phone call (which we then must follow through on). If someone is down, can we offer a Bible verse that might speak to them?
In Romans 12: 9-13, the apostle Paul suggests these “signs” as ways of our relating to one another: “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.” And then my favorite verse, “Contribute to the needs of the saints and extend hospitality to strangers.” That’s a lot to remember, but “love” seems to be the predominant theme.
There is a wonderful Christian folk hymn that says, “They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love.” I wonder if that’s true; I certainly hope so. We certainly know who our wonderful teams are as we join them in community at White Auditorium. How much more important is it that we know who we are as persons of faith in Emporia, Kansas?
F “Sunday Sermon” is a forum for Emporia area ministers to share their sermons, thoughts and observations. This week’s sermon is from the Rev. Nancy Gammill, senior pastor at Emporia’s First United Methodist Church.