Where I Can Come And Be A Kid

Where I Can Come and Be a Kid

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is given to the player who is selected by a panel of judges for having the biggest impact on his community. When 2015 nominee Connor Barwin joined the Philadelphia Eagles, he committed to giving back to the city by investing in the city parks through his foundation.

The son of a city manager, Barwin bikes nearly everywhere he goes in Philly. He sees the city from a unique vantage point because of what his father taught him and because of the speed with which he can travel the streets. The NFL Network, covering all the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year finalists, ran a story about Barwin’s investment in the city parks. One little girl said, “I love coming here because it’s where I can come and be a kid.” Creating spaces where children can feel safe and free in the inner city is beautiful. Barwin is committed to renovating city parks so that people young and old can gather, play, and be refreshed.

When I saw this story, I was reminded of Proverbs 11:24-25: “Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

As I read this proverb, I see that there is a blessing that is activated when I bless others. Somehow, in God’s economy of things, he brings blessings into the life of the one who is openhanded and is putting others’ interests ahead of his own. Consider this an invitation to go refresh someone’s life today, and enjoy the blessings that come to that person’s life and yours.

Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:24-25