If there's one thing I've learned over my years in children's ministry it's this...KidMin leaders are like contortionists—if you're not flexible, you won't last long!
That's why I think this short devotional from my friend, Casey, is SO IMPORTANT! Give it a quick read and check out the unique opportunity she's offering below.
Blessed Are The Flexible
I’ve spent a good bit of time in the Middle East – traveling around Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and Turkey. I’ve traveled with, in my humble opinion, many of the best teachers, best guides, and best drivers in the world.
They know what they’re doing. They have flights and hotels booked. They have sites scheduled out. They have a full itinerary planned.
But inevitably things go wrong.
Flash floods wash out a highway. A herd of sheep blocks the road and delays our departure or arrival. A site is closed when it was scheduled to be open. You might think I’m joking, but I’m not. I’ve experienced every one of these scenarios and more.
As a Jordanian guide of mine once said, “If it doesn’t make sense, you’re in the Middle East.”
But the organization I’ve so often traveled with has a saying that puts it all in perspective.
“Blessed are the flexible, for they shall be bent but not broken.”
That’s more than a principle for travel. That’s a principle for life. Flash flood will wash out the highways. Herds of sheep will keep you from coming and going. Sites will be closed when you’re hoping to visit. Metaphorically, of course. (But also, literally if you plan to visit the Middle East.)
Here’s the point.
Blessed are the flexible, for they shall be bent but not broken.
What if we lived our lives and performed our jobs with that perspective?
Volunteers will bail on you. Kids will have meltdowns in the middle of your program. The youth ministry will find your props closet during their Saturday night lock in. Or maybe something bigger. Maybe your pastor casts a new vision that requires your entire ministry to stop and pivot.
Your ability to survive long term depends on your ability to be flexible.
What if we resolved to do that – confident that we could be bent but, by the grace of God, not broken?
Travel to the Holy Land with Casey
By the way, Casey, our "Take Two" contributor, is leading a trip to Israel this November!
Casey is a Bible teacher and curriculum developer at Mecklenburg Community Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has a dual Masters degree in Theological Studies and Educational Ministry. She has studied in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Greece, and Italy, exploring the cultural context of the Bible.
Over the course of ten days, you’ll experience the land of the Bible. You’ll get to step into the story of the Bible. You'll visit places you’ve read about - En Gedi, Capernaum, Caesarea Philipi, and, of course, Jerusalem. You'll visit a few places you might have never heard of but play an important role in the biblical story. You’ll leave with a lot of memories and, undoubtedly, a lot of friends.
If you're interested in learning more or getting registered, you can go here. If you have any questions for Casey, contact her at contact@caseyjordan.com
