So we are really close to the start of the season! I'm extremely excited to finally see everyone take the sand; hanging out, playing volleyball, and having fun! I imagine that there are a few questions still floating around as you strive to get your paperwork filled out and in on time. If that's the case, just reply to the blog with any questions or comments and I'll make sure to post an answer.
As the season moves into motion I find myself wondering what this summer holds and how this league can be a standout event to all those who participate. Obviously we're going to have a ton of good-old fashion fun; playing volleyball, hanging with friends, and hopefully some nice summer weather. We'll have a fair share of refreshments and snacks; we'll even have an end of the year party with games and prizes! But are these things any different than what can be experience any other night on your own? Is this what's going to make Tuesday nights a standout event to everyone?
My personal opinion is no! Don't get me wrong; I love hanging out, playing volleyball, and snacking like there's no tomorrow, but there's a greater goal that drives me and this league. That goal is connecting.
It would be fairly ridiculous to have over a hundred people coming to one location every week, doing the same thing, playing the same game; and not have them get to know each other. Sure you'll most likely know the people on your team, but what about the people on the other side of the net? Do you recognize them? Do you know there name? Do you know anything about them, or even about there faith walk? These are the things that are necessary to care about and start with, if we're going to connect with anyone around us.
You might say to yourself, "I don't mind introducing myself to someone, but I can't just go up to them and ask them about there 'faith walk'". Well, I know and I don't expect you to...on your own. "Share the Victory" is a good time and place to start these conversations. This is when we break up the volleyball stuff and we grab some refreshments, sit down, and start talking. This is a group discussion about life, about you, and about God. I'll have some thoughts to go over, some ideas to start things off with, but the depth and direction we go is up to you. You'll find as these discussions develop, there is a whole group a people with similar ideas, situations, or struggles as you have. This is the common ground for connecting! Both with others and with God!
Yes, we're going to have a lot of fun. We're going to play a lot of volleyball, eat a lot of snack, and even meet a lot of people. But if you want this time to stand out, if you're looking for a highlight to your summer; that's going to happen when we take the time to connect with others and to connect with God. That's the goal and that's what I'm excited for!