PASTOR DAVE’S MUSINGS FROM THE HEARTLAND

March 30, 2022

BEHIND THE SCENES

Several years ago during “March Madness” one of the sports Networks did a feature about the managers for the Michigan men’s basketball team.  They emphasized how the managers were an important part of any successful sports team.  You can find them at any game wearing coats and ties, hanging around the team, helping with warm-ups, and doing odd jobs.  Most of their work goes unseen, doing all of the little things that allow the players to focus on their game.

For many years Diane and I have attended senior night for the Purdue basketball teams.  At the end of the game the basketball players, the managers, and student trainers who are seniors are recognized.  During the game the senior members of the band, the pep section, and cheer leaders are recognized.  In addition to this a list of seniors are posted on the big screen that help in a variety of ways.  What one sees on game day is only a tip of the iceberg for all that is necessary to have a competitive college basketball team.

I sometimes wonder about all of the people who worked behind the scene to make Jesus’ ministry successful.  There are various places we get a hint of their presence.  There were the disciples who made the preparations for the Last Supper.  Disciples were given responsibility for securing the donkey on which Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday.  Obviously disciples need to do advance work to make sure that Jesus had a place to stay and eat.

I am well aware of all the people who work behind the scenes to make a Sunday service possible.  There are bulletins to be made, the sanctuary to be cleaned, arrangements to be made for flowers, persons secured to be ushers, greeters, and run the sound system.   Some need to take care of the programs for children which take place during worship.  The music people spend many hours behind the scene planning and practicing.  I have always appreciated all the time organists and pianists put in preparing for a service. In the winter someone has to attend to the removal of the snow and make sure the furnace is set at the correct temperature.

It might be well for all of us to take a few moments to ponder all the people who work behind the scene to help our lives run smoothly.  City workers make sure my street is plowed, my garden waste is collected, good water is at hand, and help is available when disaster hits.  Someone has to stock the stores where I shop.  There are the persons who make deliveries to the places I frequent making sure they have what I want to purchase.  I am sure there are more persons of whom I am not aware who work behind the scene to help make my life run smoothly.

Sometimes we might come in contact with someone who is working behind the scene to make our life go a little better.  Occasionally it might be nice to stop and take the time to tell them “Thank You.”  In addition we might offer thanks to God for all the people who work behind the scene to make our lives better.