ex(PR)essed

I’m sorry for the graphic nature of this photograph of my elbow. There’s an important lesson to be learned by observing my scrapes and bruises. Ready? When playing football with youth group boys in the gravel parking lot at your church at night, be careful of your footing after making a great catch and attempting to run it in for a touchdown.

It/I went down (literally) like this: After youth group, Jeff usually goes outside with some of the boys to play football in the gravel parking lot beside our church. (I stay inside having meaningful, dignified conversations with the girls…) Last night, I was ready to leave and went out to collect my adorable husband so we could stop at the grocery store on our way home. The boys were mid-game and asked if I wanted to play. Of course I did — it was an honor to be asked! So, Matt threw a few passes (all dropped by his rather inept receivers, myself included). Then…the perfect toss — TO ME! I caught it, pivoted right into Stephen, the mighty defender, and then…well, I don’t exactly remember. Jeff says I was airborne for about 10 feet (could be a slight exaggeration) before landing hard on the gravel. I was slightly dazed, but still in possession of the football! Wahoo!

So, what’s a little blood when you’re playing football with the boys, right? With my brave girl cape flapping behind me, I laughed, jumped to my feet, and ventured into church to wash my bruises and seek sympathy. (Youth group boys and my husband — not so good with the sympathy!) Thankfully, it seems that nothing is broken or misplaced. Simply a bruised elbow with a great story.

This is the thing — I love my youth group. After a somewhat frantic day at work yesterday, 90 minutes with those 13 kids totally turned my day around. We used our faces to fish for a whistle in a plate full of whipped cream (I totally beat Tyler and managed to inhale slightly less whipped cream than some others), did some funny skits, and spent some meaningful time in prayer. What a blessing!

Tonight, the women’s group at my church is venturing to Messiah to eat dinner with some of the college students who regularly attend our church. I’m really proud of the women’s group for venturing out of their comfort zone. It promises to be a fun evening — and hopefully an encouraging one for the students who join us.

I love my church family. And, I’m pretty fond of my Messiah College family too.