I recently attended CSO’s annual event known as “The Gathering” (4th year). I love The Gathering because it gives me an 
opportunity to connect with other sports ministry leaders, gain fresh ideas, participate in fun competitions and experiential games, and learn more about what it means to build a gospel-centered sports ministry.
One of my favorite parts is the Amazing Race! Those who have attended The Gathering in the past know I enjoy competition and have a desire to bring home the coveted first place trophy. Sadly, my teams ended up finishing in second place two years in a row (2011, 2012).
This year was going to be different until Bob assigned me the formidable task of organizing the Amazing Race. Therefore, rather than competing in the race, I was chosen to be the judge/official/referee.
Prior to the start of the race, I was focused on setting up the details and failed to give any thought about how I would officiate if conflict surfaced (should have known better, it always does during competition). I really didn’t think it was a big deal. For this particular race, teams had to take a bunch of pictures and then bring them back to me so I could determine whether or not they met the requirements. How hard could that be? What preparation is needed to look at a bunch of pictures? Well, I should have been more prepared and not taken “my job” so lightly.
In the end, my rulings were inconsistent and reactionary. After telling one team I would accept a specific picture, I later reversed my decision and disqualified them costing them the championship.
This situation reminds me of how often we label something as “not that big of a deal”. We have a misconception that some things are more important than others. However, over the past few years I’ve learned that truly God cares about everything. And when I say everything, I mean everything. There is nothing God would label as “not that big of a deal”. So that means sports along with every aspect of sports is important to God.
I wonder how many coaches think coaching is not that big of a deal. I wonder how many players think playing is not that big of a deal. I wonder how many referees/officials (like myself) think officiating is not that big of a deal. I wonder how many fans think cheering (positively or negatively) is not that big of a deal.
Being the judge for The Amazing Race reminded me that there is no such thing as “not that big of a deal”. I can only hope I do better next time I start to think and act as if something is not that big of a deal.
