By the Rev. Raquel Mack
St Paul talks about us all running our own race, about the need for discipline, development of endurance, and for each of us to give witness to what we can accomplish. Sports and exercise is a popular and proven way to reach out to youth and children. Like other places, here in Kangiqsualujjuaq Quebec, we have school teams, and hockey, as well as various individuals leading and teaching different sport activities.
Nanuit Swimming and Running Club is one of those organizations. Over 120 kids currently, or in the recent past, have participated in it. People with a passion to teach, support, or encourage others, are welcome to come out to coach or mentor. As a minister, Nanuit has provided an excellent opportunity for me to get to know the youth of my community in an environment outside of regular church.
Obviously Covid had made all group activities difficult, and much time was lost. We got through it though. The children who participated in swimming and running know that they have an inner strength to get through the tough times because they have already succeeded in accomplishing the many challenges of training.
Working with kids in things like sports, we get to appreciate both the short term and long term goals. It’s much like any other kind of discipleship: even though we trust that something good will come to fruition in the long term, we don’t always get to see it. In sports and exercise you can see short term goals succeed and then build on it. The joy of a young child having their first medal placed on him or her is heartwarming. Watching a child go from being afraid of the water, to doing shallow dives and flip turns in a competitive swim meet, is inspirational. Victories, whether they be large or small, are needed to be seen and experienced.
What we do in life makes a difference. What we do matters. Giving of yourself, and your time, provides companionship and hope. It impacts lives in so many positive ways. What an honour it is to help train and focus children and teenagers to grow and mature their bodies, minds, souls, and spirits. And as much as the coaches and the members give, they are blessed and receive more. The rewards of being servant in Christ is not just being offered to the few, but to everyone who says, “Today, I am going to put a smile on at least one person’s face. Today I am going to help someone and let them know they are special.”