And the MVP goes to...

Almost a year ago, the 5/8 Club leaders gathered to plan for the spring semester. We discussed how things went during the fall and what we could do to make the program better, keeping in mind the program's goals: that it would be safe, fun, and productive for everyone.

At Abundant Life, we believe in high standards and high support. At the beginning of each year the boys make their own rules, and everyone (leaders included) signs their name to them, agreeing to abide by them. We use a discipline policy called the Standard Response to deal with misbehavior. In general, the first infraction results in a warning, the second infraction results in a timeout (missing the beginning of free time to help clean up after dinner), and the third results in the student being taken home and missing the next field trip. There are other nuances, but I'm simplifying here for the sake of time and space.

This policy has worked pretty well over the years to maintain a safe, fun, and productive environment, but it's certainly not perfect. Too often, it has resulted in leaders harping on poor behavior and failing to recognize good behavior (parents and teachers can probably relate). At this particular leaders meeting, one of my volunteers had an idea: What if we made a concerted effort to praise and reward good behavior on a weekly basis? The reasons would be two-fold: to esteem those who are doing the right thing, and to encourage others to follow their example. A quick brainstorming session came up with a new initiative: the Most Valuable Participant (MVP) award.

Each week, leaders would be on the lookout for students who are listening with their ears and eyes, participating (e.g. asking and answering questions, volunteering to help), and being respectful. At the end of the evening, leaders would come to a consensus on who the MVP was for the younger (5th-6th grade) and older (7th-8th grade) boys and announce it in front of everyone. The winners would receive a Gatorade and their name on the MVP Wall of Fame, on display each week.

The MVP Award comes with one more perk, perhaps just as important. The parents of the MVP winner receive a congratulatory call or text to let them know how great their son was that week. The responses from the parents may be my favorite part, to hear them beaming with pride and eager to praise their son for setting a good example for his peers. It makes the boys feel even more special, and it makes the parents feel more involved in what we do. The MVP award has been been well received by the boys, and it's brought a fun and positive vibe to our Monday night meetings. It may be less than a year old, but I have a feeling it's here to stay.

The Power of Prayer

So this literally just happened. I arrived at work this morning and realized that I had misplaced a check that I had brought with me yesterday to deposit. It wasn't in my pockets (I was wearing the same jeans; don't judge me), and I didn't see it last night when I emptied out my pockets after returning home from 5/8 Club. I figured it must have fallen out of my pocket at some point yesterday when I was pulling out my keys or cell phone. Unfortunately, I was in a bunch of places yesterday: home, my car, the Abundant Life house, the Chinese restaurant, Food Lion, the office, the bus, a kids' house, Trinity, and another kids' house. The prospect of finding it didn't seem all that great.

This afternoon, I thought I'd look for it in the few places in my close proximity. I grabbed the key to the bus and went outside. As I walked to the parking lot, I looked at the grass around the walkway and thought about how far a check could blow in 16-24 hours. I continued on to the bus and walked through it. No luck. I then walked over to my car and checked around the driver's seat. Nothing. Finally, I went in the trunk to grab something. As I closed the trunk and turned back toward the office, I prayed to myself, "Lord, please help me find this check." Immediately a small piece of paper in the parking lot caught my eye. I walked up to it and unfolded it; it was the check.

Sometimes we wait years for our prayers to be answered. Sometimes we never get the answer we are looking for. But every once in a while, at least for me, the answer comes instantly. No one understands these things, but I know it has to do with faith. So here I am, just like in the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin, calling on you to rejoice with me :)

"And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." - Matthew 21:22