A few days ago, over 100 million people watched the grand finale for professional football. Granted, not all viewers tuned in for the actual game, but for the halftime show and commercials among other random points of interest. Of course, the following day, seemingly every website came up with their own rankings of which 30 to 120 second tv spots were the best, and I’m sure every one of the 100+ million people would have their own opinions as to which one(s) stuck with them the most (art tends to work that way, after all, including the artistic attempt to pull at consumers into purchasing whatever). This one got me.
Although after the two minutes, I was no where near convinced to replace my iPhone with a Google Pixel equivalent, as the artistic creators and producers attempted to show the vast capability of a cell phone helping a dad build his résumé, I will, at least, remember the product a little more than before. That tends to be the point with most advertisements now a days: to maximize the shock value or nostalgia or pull-at-your-heartstrings, and maybe you’ll remember when you need to switch your car, auto insurance, beverage or snack choice or whatever else. Regardless, they got me as they navigated through seemingly an entire lifetime of parenthood in about 125 seconds.
It begins with attempting to do as much around the kitchen with one hand while holding a baby in the other (because, for some reason, they want to be as close to you as possible out of love or something), before attempting to feed that same baby in a highchair before they erupt in dissatisfaction shrieks. Then comes the late-night cuddles back to sleep (if you’re lucky). Then there’s the best of intentions scheduling not just with child but other adulting responsibilities while ensuring a random bag is packed, prepared for anything and everything that can happen with a child. And then make sure the child doesn’t get into the dog food or put shoes in the dishwasher (because they like to test boundaries, I guess). Soon enough, there will be the ridiculous Halloween costumes to wear to blend in with whatever they choose (because you love them or something) and dancing along with them in the living room, before having to take on bullying in school and driving their first car and sitting in the bleachers for games and dealing with their first real loss of life in the family then graduation then dropping them off at college and the look on their face mentally transporting you back to when they never wanted you to put them down for even a split-second.
They say although the days may seem long, the years somehow fly by within an instant. I suppose that applies not just to parenthood, but the church as well. But on our home front, I know the day will come with our daughter, for instance, who at 3 years of age, is doing her best to be an early contestant on some singing talent show, belting out songs from The Little Mermaid and Frozen among others. She tends to get me at the heart strings every time, and I have a feeling that’s the memory that will instantly return when she ventures off into the world someday. And I would think part of the church’s call is to be part of all those holy transitions of life, not just for the parent, but the child, too.
And although I’m no where near closer to switching out my iPhone to a Google Pixel equivalent, another wondrous connection was made not just with parenthood, but the church as well. It was the simplistic, but rather meaning-filled dialogue between the dad and the phone of all things:
[voice of Dad] Well, it was a role where I learned to take constructive criticism (we have to learn from our mistakes, after all, with compassion to be sure).
I got pretty used to, you know, working long hours with a small team (12 disciples end up being pretty helpful to ignite a Movement).
Well, I’m at my best when I’m collaborating. If it’s for the team, I’ll do whatever it takes (we’re all in this together, to be sure, in helping share God’s love with the world).
I don’t always have all the answers. But I get the job done (sometimes ministry is just about showing up).
And I’m not afraid to admit when I’m wrong (humility is a must being human and all).
[voice of Gemini on Google Pixel] When it comes to work, what motivates you?
[voice of Dad] I guess…knowing that people...can depend on me. And knowing I can depend on them, too.
Of course, we can certainly depend on God through all the holy and seemingly insignificant, but incredibly special to others, moments. But more often than not, in this still pivotal living body of Christ, we can also depend on others to be there for us, too. Amen (so let it be)!
In Christ,
Pastor Brad
To view Dream Job | Google Pixel SB Commercial 2025, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7e6g11BJc0