Background:

We've been working through a series of podcasts around our values, but the other day I came across a video that I just knew needed to be incorporated into our thoughts on "participation". I couldn't figure out a way to connect this to an audio recording, so for this value we're going to do it a little different.

Watch the video first, and then read the short reflection and challenge.

The Video:

A Few Thoughts

Big Wall, Little Squirrel

The fact is, all of us, in the church and out of the church face obstacles in life that are bigger than us. Things that we just can’t get over, or can’t quite figure out. Habits and hang-ups, questions about God or the scriptures, decisions in life. Sometimes the walls are huge, seemingly impossible, while other times they are minor and we are just in need of a little direction. And sometimes the walls are personal, whereas other walls impact our families or our churches or even our cities.

We all face walls.

As Little Squirrel confronts a big wall that he just can’t seem to get over, I wonder what the wall is in your life? How about the wall in your brother or sisters life? And what about your neighbors life?

Big Squirrel, Big People, Little Wall

As the video begins, we observe the big squirrel doing everything he can to help the little squirrel get over the wall. First he is on top, cheering the little guy along. When the cheering seems to be going nowhere, he jumps down the wall and attempts to show the little one the ropes.

“Its like this, when you get to this place, contract your back legs as much as you can, and then with all your force spring upward. All you need to do is get your front paws over the edge, and then you can pull yourself the rest of the way.”

But try as Big Squirrel might, Little Squirrel just can’t get over the wall on his own. And so in step the people, trying their best to aid Little Squirrel in his dilemma. First goes the back pack, then the larger bags, and finally, as everyone is participating, cheering, squeaking out directions from on top of the wall, playing their part, Little Squirrel makes his way over the wall.

And all the rest of us are captivated by the simple joy of watching a little squirrel overcome a big wall.

The Moral

When we started this adventure, God said to us, “I want you all in this. I want you all participating, doing your part, using your gifts.” And he said this, I think, for a couple of reasons. First, he knew, that all of us had something to contribute. He wired us so that his whole community had something to give. And second, he said this because he knew that if we weren’t all contributing than our progress over the walls in our lives, in our churches, in our neighbourhoods, would be severely diminished.

There are big walls in our lives. There are big walls in our neighbors lives. Figuring out life, church, God is a daunting reality. Its why we all need to be involved, playing our part, serving each other and our world. One person can’t do this. Not even a few people can do this. All of us need to do this. And it’s only in doing this, that the walls become a little smaller.

What is your part? Are you the cheer-leader, the strategist, the servant, the organizer, the instruction barker? What is your role? Are you playing it? It doesn't matter which role you play - but it does matter that you play your role. You just have to play your role. Standing on the side-lines has never been the Lord's intent for you, or for us.

It’s the value of participation. Lets commit to it again. Lets do it. Let’s lay down our lives, serve with all we have. Lets determine to play our role again.

Imagine the walls we’ll conquer together.