Taking Games Seriously

Today after prayer we went over to Woodruff Park. We arrived as the big chess pieces (about 2 feet tall) were being set up. So I looked for a partner and took advantage of the open board. I found someone to play with, but he not only beat me easily, he spend the whole time talking on his cellphone. Thus I did not get the conversation I was looking for, so I went to go watch another game but was stopped by a guy who was talking with Lauren. The three of us chatted and another man joined us. We talked about a wide variety of topics including the seemingly widespread myth that if people can just get to Atlanta, they will find a job, which has brought so many people here from all over the country. Soon Ed came and joined us. We talked for a bit, and as conversation slowed I pulled out a deck of cards that I always have in my bag. We started to play one of my favorite games, Spades. We talked some as we played but not a ton. I thought to myself, "This doesn't feel like work. I should be trying to talk about important things, or doing more..." But really this is community. You don't have a life changing conversation every time you hangout with your friends. Some times all you need is to play a game and enjoy each other's presence. In fact not "doing" anything probably reinforces my comfort and ease in the area, and that my intent is not to change everyone. So today at work, I played cards with guys in the park.

After lunch we walked back to the office and talked more about mission teams and our schedule for the next few weeks. Our first 2 groups are middle school kids. I pray that they will really understand what COTS is about and not just have a 1 week high only to forget it as soon as they get on the bus home. I pray too that I will have patience and be able to teach and lead effectively. We ended the day with a sobering conversation about this line of work and change. Andy said that this job is about being with the broken. The exceptions are the ones that enter rehab or restore ties with their families. The hurt, brokenness, and complacency are the norm.