“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
As I write this devotional, the cold north wind is blowing across Oklahoma. The air is dry, but the arctic temperatures keep many of us from going outside for a long period of time. Thankfully in Oklahoma, we rarely experience cold and snow together. Unlike much of the country in the north and east, Oklahoma stays dry during the winter.
Pennsylvania, unlike Oklahoma, receives lots and lots of snow. The average snowfall in Pennsylvania is just over 38” while Oklahoma only receives 5”. Just last week, the state of Pennsylvania began to prepare for a severe winter storm. People began to rework their schedules to prepare for the approaching snow. Although the people of that area are used to heavy snow, preparations are still necessary.
The head coach of the Bethel Park, Pennsylvania high school football team decided that he needed to cancel the weightlifting practice scheduled for that Monday afternoon. He sent out a message to the team that read, “Due to expected severe weather, Monday’s weightlifting has been cancelled. Find an elderly or disabled neighbor and shovel their driveway. Don’t accept any money! That’s our Monday workout.”
It turns out that this has been a longtime tradition of the Bethel Park Black Hawk football team. For over 20 years now, the team has gone out to shovel driveways. Whenever there is a snow day and school is canceled, you can find members of the football team out helping their neighbors. Last week was no different. Over 40 athletes shoveled snow to help those in need in their community. It took them two days of work, but they cleared over 100 driveways.
These students could have been building their muscles in a warm weight room, but their coach sent them out on an important mission. They were building a better world through their service. They were seeing their neighbors face to face. They were serving those who could not do the work themselves. These football players were learning a valuable lesson; what they do off the field is far more important than how they perform on the field. When we care for our neighbors, we all win.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
