Ping Pong

Ping pong- it's the mark of a youth worker.  I'm not very good at it... yet.  It's the art of going back and forth.  It's a balance of bounces, quick moves, points, excitement, and competition.  Hoots and hollars!  It's important to have a white ball perfectly round.  Even a slight default in shape can throw off the whole game.  And the paddle. People become very particular about the shape, size, and condition of the paddle they use.  Each unique hands grips onto the wooden handle hoping for that one shot that will win the game. A broken paddle could throw off everything.

Then you have the real players who know the game isn't about the perfect paddle, the size of the table, or even the perfectly round ball.  Rather it's about the love of the game.  It's about the ability to adjust to all situations.  You stretch, focus, get into game position, and strike against your opponent.

But it's not really about beating your opponent rather it's about the process.  The process of going back and forth.  Being focused and patient.  Remembering not to get too caught up in the little losses, but to stay focused on the game.

And sometimes you need to dive risking everything in order to get that one point.  It's all about momentum.  Respect. And love! That is where games are won and lost.

There's a mark of respect to those who can play well.  Hoots and hollers fill the air as plays are made.  But once again for youth workers, it's not about winning or losing but the process.  Youth workers are often known for "just playing games with youth," and even though we do play a lot of games there is so much more occurring than meets the eye.  Youth work often isn't about the results, but rather the process and the journey we take with each young person. 

Anyone is capable of playing games with young people.  The true art is building relationships, teaching lessons, and awakening hope within each individual while playing the games. Conversations are had and trust is being built.  Interest is being taken in lives that are often broken.  Just like the real players, it doesn't really matter the shape of the ball, the size of the table, or the condition of the paddle because love conquers all.  If it's about the love of the game or love of the young person then hope can be awakened, mountains can be moved, and lives can be transformed.  It's an art. It's a mark. It's my job and it's worth risking it all for that one sweet moment that changes everything.