The Power of Passion

Benjamin is all about soldiers. He’s got his own “soldier table” at home where he lines up miniature soldier figures over and over again. (Usually in rugby formations, telling me I have to cheer for Lifa’s team!)

The Friends of the South African Air Force Museum is right down the road from our house. It is operated by a group of passionate volunteers every Saturday morning. Naturally, we call it “The Soldier Museum”.

I took the little boys there on Saturday morning while my big boys went to a church event. We unknowingly arrived 45 minutes before they opened. Instead of telling us to wait, the gentlemen gave us first-class treatment.

It was Benjamin’s dream world - no crowds or unknowns to contend with, just kind and passionate guys who knew a lot about “soldier stuff” - plus good music and burgers on the grill by 9am! We were given a personal tour of the hangar. The volunteers lifted Benjamin into the aircrafts, showed him where the soldiers sat, what the pilots did, and answered every question he had.

It’s amazing how awe, wonder and people giving themselves for their passion can impact people. God worked in my little boy that day through “soldier guys” being their authentic selves. Authenticity reaches people, marks them, and usually changes them for the better.

Benjamin said he had the best day AND the best burger of his life - all before 10:30am! I drove home asking God to give me opportunities to be as visibly authentic and passionate about Christ as these guys were about their country and its Air Force. I want to carry a contagious awe and wonder too!