LEAven Blog

I couldn’t help it. I was not traveling, there was nothing else worth watching on the myriad channels available through cable or streaming, and I was really curious about the outcome of this match-up. I am normally not caught up in Super Bowl hype. The commercials that are so popularized are over-rated, many of the games in recent years have not been as good as those leading up to this day, and the anticipated “stars” of the show were not the experienced big names that make the news. But there was a different sort of spirit leading to the 57^th matching of two winners and I was drawn in to the possibility that this might be a good one to see.

Every day is a “super bowl” in the ministry of Lutheran education. In how many other fields can a professional walk into a building well prepared and ready to share the essentials of a well-rounded education, yet face the ultimate of unknowns that may challenge, and even thwart, the best plans? The potential obstacles are numerous. Children of all ages are likely to have walked into a school building with as many different home experiences as there are students enrolled. From highs to lows, students may bring with them family struggles, a variety of experiences with proper nutrition, changing home contexts, and varying degrees of preparation for a day of learning. Like a major event with some 73,000 fans, the expectations are often high, the pressures to succeed are great, and the attention of the media is enormous.

The players and coaches in a Lutheran education setting are tasked with giving everything their best … every day. Education leaders must have assembled the best possible team of players possible. The training, conditioning, and motivational factors are integral to the success of the team. The coaching staff can be comprised of schools leaders, pastors, congregational leaders, aides, and volunteers … all with the goal of making the teaching players the best they can be so they carry this on to their students. As evidenced in every football game I have seen, the best playing on the field will be enhanced by the best preparation, the most appropriate calls, and the highest team spirit.

In the midst of the excited and critical parents and community fans, the educator players are exercising their training and God-given talents with the energy, joy, and confidence that is necessary to tackle the unpredictable nature of day to day Lutheran education. The plays are called, the execution takes place, and the goals are scored. The biggest difference, of course, in our carrying out this ministry is that God provides “big points” of the game in everything that we do each day … despite the challenges to the calls, the badgering of the fans, and the sometimes questionable rules imposed from outside entities. We are called to share the love of Christ and provide the best quality education in the Lutheran education “super bowl” every day.

Oh yes … I did watch Super Bowl LVII and enjoyed it this time. Maybe it was just another reminder of what gets me excited every morning! How about you?