Get in the Super Bowl Spirit...of Service
Super Bowl LVII, which is just hours away, has brought more than just traffic to town. It has also brought with it over 30 charitable activities and outreach events designed to benefit Valley communities before, during, and after the big game. There was an NFL-themed “Safe Zone Activity Day” for kids and an event honoring veterans. There were cancer screenings and a CPR class. There were panel discussions about LGBTQ inclusion in sports, the role of athletes in social justice movements, and the connections between physical and mental wellness in young people. The NFL has planted hundreds of trees, distributed tens of thousands of books to local schoolkids, and has a comprehensive materials recovery effort that collects things like building materials, fabric, and even food from Super Bowl events and distributes them to local organizations that can reuse them. And these examples are just a THIRD of the efforts that were put in place here over the past few weeks and will continue after the Vince Lombardi Trophy has been awarded.
All this is to say that, whatever your feelings about the game itself or its presence here in the greater Phoenix area, it is worth acknowledging that the NFL is making an effort to leave this place better than they found it. It’s not even just that they are putting it back the way it was – they are making improvements that will last long after the game ends. And this happens in every city where a Super Bowl is held!
In that spirit, you too can commit to leaving this place better than you found it. Take inspiration from the smorgasbord of service being engaged in by the NFL, which you can read about here. Then, with your family, make a list of all the things YOU can do to make a difference in your corner of the world. You may not have the same resources as the NFL, but you can plant one tree, or donate ten books – maybe even some cans of soup! You can thank a veteran. You can learn CPR. You can participate in a mission project – or several! Think about the big things and the little things you can do, the different areas in which you can make an impact. Turn your list into action by putting each item on your family’s calendar and holding yourselves accountable for following through on what you say you’ll do.
In today’s scripture reading, we heard that “God’s spirit dwells in you.” Let that spirit be present in everything you do, and let it inspire and empower you to do whatever you can to leave this place better than you found it.
What will you do to improve your community? Share with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
