The ball is snapped. The quarterback fades back and surveys the field. He aims, passes, and then watches as the ball safely lands in the gloved hands of his teammate. TOUCHDOWN! The crowd goes wild! This quarterback isn't paid millions each year; in fact he's only 12 and has just started playing junior high football, but he attracts quite a following.
This young man's parents led my small group a few years ago and often those of us in the group would attend his games. Together, we would pace up and down the sidelines, loudly voicing our encouragement and excitement. During these games, we laughed, we screamed, we hoped; and in turn, we developed intimacy in our relationships. We also piqued the curiosity of those around us. Often we were asked if we were relatives of the family, and we had the pleasure of sharing that we were all in a small group together.
In addition to falling leaves and temperatures, Fall ushers in the competitive spirit of volleyball, cross-country, soccer, and of course, football. During this season of athletic endeavors take the time to support your small group members by attending a game in which a son and/or daughter is playing. (often, more than one child of the group is playing in the same game.) Plan a picnic dinner at the game or ice cream afterwards. The group's camaraderie and spirit of joy will witness to the other fans and could possibly lead to offering an invitation to your small group.
