When I was in high school many years ago, I was on the cross country team. We would compete against other schools in a two mile race. I will admit that I was not one of the better runners on the team, but I did learn some valuable lessons, some of which can be applied to your Awana year.
First, how you start is important. How you begin the race can set the tone for the entire race. Sometimes we are tempted to run faster than we normally might in order to keep up with another runner at the start. Generally when one starts a race faster than their pace, they tire at the end and don’t have that burst to finish strong.
As we begin the Awana year, it is very similar. We need to start off at a good pace, lay the ground rules, and share the expectations. As the year continues, we need to continue to adhere to these basics, we need to maintain the proper pace. If we do that, then we can finish strong. A good runner always keeps a little extra in their “tank” so they can have a burst of speed at the end and finish well. As leaders, we also need to make sure that we have a little left at the end of the year to finish well. If we as leaders have “run out of gas”, then imagine our the clubbers in our group will end. If we have nothing left to give them to encourage them, they may not be as motivated.
If we do not start the year with a plan, if we are too laid back, then it will be difficult to maintain a solid club structure. The club may struggle.
As we begin this Awana year, let us start well with the finish in mind. May we proceed at a good pace, keeping a little extra for the end so we can finish strong.
May we run a steady pace, leading the children to Him.
