Walking the Deck

I sat quietly reading in my comfy chair when my son called out rather energetically. “Mom hurry I NEED you!” As I came into the living room, he handed me a controller to Playstation (Like I know what to do with it). Excited, he begins to yell out commands, which I assume I am supposed to be following. I took a seat and thus began the hysterical game playing. I was laughing so hard, I began to wheeze, tears were filling my eyes and the controller nearly falling out of my hands as I bent over.

We were playing Star Wars (I feel so hip just saying that). He kept saying “Follow me!” I was TRYING! I didn’t know which buttons to push, so I pushed them ALL. Somehow, I was supposed to get my man up on that scooter thingy. Much to MY own amusement, I kept crashing into trees. My job (as I found out later) was to be a distraction so his guy could be successful and finish his mission. Before I knew it, Matthew said, “Ok, you can stop now.” Had I even begun? The theme to Star Wars came on and I knew he was victorious. This was years ago, yet still makes me laugh (out loud).

Amazing what part we play in others’ lives isn’t it? A great example are those massive ships in the military. One in particular is an aircraft carrier. There is a department that is lovingly called the Yellow Jackets (Flight Deck Officers). These are men and women who, yes, wear yellow jackets and spend much of their time directing pilots as they prepare to take off and in their landings. One of their duties is known as “walking the deck.” As a pilot is either preparing for takeoff or landing, they and many other personnel line up across the deck and slowly–meticulously look for any debris. The debris if left on the flight deck could be very hazardous to the plane, pilot–the mission.

I find it very interesting as I liken it to our own relationships found in the Kingdom of God. We have many roles we play in others’ lives: Cheerleader, counselor, confidante, mentor, teacher and friend. But we are also to “walk the deck” (if you will) and do our part helping to remove any debris or obstacles along the way. Do lovingly what it takes to help another to be successful in their journey with Jesus. We are called to encourage. Much of the time our encouraging a brother or sister takes action.

Paul shares in, 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” Encourage meaning to come along side, to aid with help, even to beseech with a stronger force.  We are to admonish, exhort to better things in God.

May we too, put on yellow jackets (metaphorically speaking of course) link arms with others and join the heavenly forces. May our words of encouragement be met with our acts of love. May we love enough to point out, pick up, and remove any debris, even wave them off if the next maneuver is deemed unsafe. I am fully persuaded there WILL be times when it is messy, but it is worth it–to see them soar! Perhaps we too would hear the theme to Star Wars, (well personally I prefer the theme to ROCKY!)

Walking the deck with and for others.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).