This week I was fortunate to be able to go to my daughter’s preschool program for the end of the year. After a 3+ hour car ride from Brunswick to Arlington VA (a trip that should have taken an hour and 15 min) we arrived just in time for the beginning of the program. Eden was great, she sat with her class, wore her Santa hat, sang and did her hand motions just so. I had my camera and snapped a few choice pictures of Eden and a couple of some of her friends. Then when the program was over the kids staid on the stage and parents could then swarm up close and get their pictures.
Katie’s mom directs the preschool and wanted me to take some pictures of the parents taking pictures like paparazzi. I am sure they were all taking pictures of my Eden because, well, she is the most adorable one up on the stage J/k 
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As I took pictures of the parents I thought about Mary and Martha. There were parents who sat and enjoyed the program, while others only saw it through camera viewfinders and camcorder LCD’s.
With all of the hustle and flow of Advent and student ministry in general, we must take seriously the words of Jesus to Martha to slow down and enjoy the present. We can easily get wrapped up in the planning and execution of programming that we forget about the people who we put the programs on for. Ministry can get lost in the production. Make sure you are able to take some time (even if it means some little things will not get done) to be with your students.
Be blessed and pause to take it in
Chris
