Stop! Before You Send That Text …

Yes, we know you’re really tired and your boss was cranky and you got stuck in traffic and the last thing you want to do tonight is go to Awana … but wait …

(And yes, we all know there are legitimate reasons to miss club now and then — which you let your director know weeks/months ahead of time. And yes, we all get sick at times. We’re taking about those last minute “I’m tired” kind of excuses.)

… before you send that text or email or make that call to the director, here are 10 things you need to think about.

*The director is tired too. His boss was also cranky, he got stuck in the same traffic you did and he needs to fix his leaky water heater before it explodes all over the basement floor. But he has no choice. He made a commitment and he’ll be there.

*The director had activities planned that needed all the leaders to participate … but since you texted 30 minutes before club time, he’ll need to do some on-the-spot rearranging.

*The kids in your Handbook Time will need to be moved to Kevin’s Handbook Time. Kevin has been encouraging his kids to learn verses all year and tonight he has promised them a treat for reaching their goals. Having five more boys in his group will keep that from happening. The kids will be so disappointed.

*Actually … consider that Kevin will have five extra, active, energetic, rambunctious, wiggly, talkative 10 year olds in his group … treats or not.

*You were suppose to lead the music tonight. Remember?  The other leaders try, but aren’t musical and well … the singing just isn’t as good as when you, with your strong voice, do it.  Seriously. You are needed with the music.

*Joey’s mom wanted to talk to you about what verses Joey needed to work on. Sure, she could ask another leader, but she’s kind of shy and feels more comfortable talking to you since she knows you. The question will not get asked since you aren’t there.

*One of the boys on your team (yellow) twisted his ankle while running around the circle. While the other yellow team leader took him to find the nurse (a Sparks leader), the yellow team was left with a lot of chaos and no leader.

*Colton brought his best friend from school. All year he’s been begging and pleading for him to come to Awana. “You should meet our leader,” Colton has bragged, “He tells the best jokes and is always encouraging and is very nice.” Now the friend is here and you aren’t.

*Aiden has been thinking about all those truths you’ve been telling him about trusting Christ as his Savior. He’s been on the verge of making the decision that past couple weeks, but wasn’t ready. Tonight he is. He’s so excited to tell you.  Where are you?

*The four teams are in a contest: getting points for saying verses, having good sportsmanship, bringing friends and attendance and for some of that, leaders can also earn points. The boys notice that you’re the one who has missed two out of the last four weeks.

*At the beginning of the year you made a commitment. (Remember that? Remember when you and the other leaders stood in front of the church and the pastor prayed about the year?) You told the commander/director that you would work in Awana and didn’t add that part about “except when I’m tired, there’s a good game on TV or something else comes up.”

*Last week you promised Kyle you’d be here this week to answer his question, to bring him a candy bar, to let him know whether he’ll be able to be on the Bible Quiz team ….  All week he’s been waiting to talk to you.  All week.

Yes, of course there are other reasons for being commited to showing up. Kids notice. They see consistent attendance as an indication that they are liked by their leaders. Read these real-life quotes …

*A leader’s job is to also be there! Well, what I mean is, what would happen if their wasn’t a leader in the room? OH DEAR! Chaos, anything, and most important, the kids won’t know God because they are not memorizing God’s Word. Wow! Makes you think, doesn’t it?  (Peter)

*Thank you for being my leader. I really appreciate you being there almost every night. (Jenson)

*I appreciate your commitment to be at Awana every week and your encouragement. (Caleb)

*My T & T leader is very faithful and comes to Awana almost every Wednedsay night. I would be sad if she had to go away. (Kylie)

Wait a minute. Do you really want to send that text?