“It takes a village.” What does that even mean?
I heard it all the time when I first became a mom and I have to admit, I just went with it. Part of me was like “where is this village?” And “who runs this village?” And “do I have to take my kids to this village?”
And then as I got older, and obviously wiser, I realized that it means my husband and I can’t do this parenting thing alone. (I guess since I wasn’t very smart about this village thing, it was a good thing I wasn’t planning to do it alone. 🙂 )
It also means that with any given thing it takes a lot of people to make it run smoothly. I saw it in action at the Ball State University men’s volleyball game the other night. My daughter is the Sports Information Director for this sport and I watched how many different people are involved in just one game.
There are people to keep stats; people to run stat papers to the teams at the end of each match; people to keep the scoreboards; people to announce the teams and coaches.
Someone has to put up the volleyball nets and make sure they meet NCAA regulations. Someone has to get the officials and someone has to be certified to officiate. Facilities managers are on call to wipe up spills and keep the lights on. There are concession workers who not only sell the popcorn but have to make it. Someone has to be sure there is change for the concessions. The list goes on and on.
Everyone has an important job in this village. Just like everyone has an important job that God has called them to do for Him. Some days it may seem that rocking that baby in the nursery isn’t that big of a deal but to the momma that gets to listen to the sermon that day, it’s a big deal.
Some days it may seem that people aren’t listening while you are trying to teach a Sunday School class, but to that one person who leaves with a little hope, it was important.
People who make the coffee. People who clean the restrooms. Pastors who prepare and deliver the sermons. Worship leaders who select just the right music. Worship teams who lead in beautiful song. Ushers who give a smile while taking up offering and handing out bulletins. Greeters who welcome with a handshake and a hug.
Program leaders who provide activities for men, women, children, teens and singles. People who make the meals for free Wednesday night dinners. Dishwashers who clean up after that meal. People who salt the sidewalks and hold the umbrellas.
It takes a village to do anything really. Give a pat on the back to those who keep things running in your village. And before long we will realize we can be one big circle of people all working for the good of the Lord in His village.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, and not for men. Colossians 3:23.
