You Must Be Present To Win

by Kathryn Graham, EM Summer Staff in Southeast Maine

The amount and breadth of things that kids are willing to do for an ice-pop continues to astound me.

There is a program here in Portland, ME, called Kids Serve that facilitates a community service project for the kids to participate in each week, allowing them to give back and take ownership in their community. Last week, we picked up garbage in the local park where they normally play. I handed out ice-pops to the kids at the end, and in typical fashion, most looked sheepishly at me and asked if they could have another.

But it’s not what you think. They rarely ever want two for themselves; instead, the question "Can I bring one home to my sibling?" spreads across their mouths like wildfire. The enthusiasm is contagious, and before long, I have a substantial group of helpers in front of me awaiting my answer. The exaggerated suspense comes to a peak as I give my consistent answer: "You must be present to win."

I imagine someone many years ago making up this phrase at a county fair regarding a raffle winner. Little did they know that it would be the steadfast idea of my summer.

The concept of being truly present in order to receive some kind of reward is something that I have been working on here in Portland. Being physically present is the relatively simple part; being emotionally and mentally present on a regular basis is something that requires discipline and focus.

I have found that being "present to win" is especially applicable to short-term mission trips. In order to form sincere relationships with the members of the community, it is necessary to devote yourself, physically and emotionally, to being genuine and intentional. If successful, I have found that not only will you leave a lasting impact on those particular people, but you are sure to reap a unique and personal reward from the interaction as well. Though it might not be immediate, being fully present allows us to get the most out of every experience.

Although the kids experience the instant gratification of picking up garbage and then receiving an ice-pop, I have noticed that it does not always work that way. I have been learning more this summer than I can express, but I know that I will continue to reap the benefits and blessings of this journey long after I am finished being physically present here in Portland, ME.

Jesus tells us to "...not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34). I think that this is God's encouragement to us, as His children, to truly be present here each day on Earth. It does not say that each day has plenty of joys, but rather that each day has "enough trouble of its own." Not only is it crucial to seek out and soak up the blessings and goodness in each day, but also to be mindful and immersed in the hardships as well. Only then, by being wholly present through the experiences of joy and grit, can we grow and ultimately "win."

You must have a group size of at least 6 members to join this trip. Please view the Small Team trips or call our Servicing Department for more options at 888-475-6414.

View Small Team Trips

For most trips, you must have a group size of at least 6 members. Please view the Small Teams tab on each Community page or call our Servicing Department for more options at 888-475-6414.