I'm crazy about em'

Tuesday held another Spark night (youth home group at my church). One cool dude gave his testimony that night and did an incredible job! It is always exciting to not only see a young person step out and say that they would like to share their testimony, but to also watch how leadership qualities emerge through their growth. Tuesday night we also bid farewell to another cool dude in the group. He moves to Washington today (Thursday), and he will be missed.

Never thought I would be a part of leading a youth home group. Never thought I would be a leader in youth ministry. But here I am! Youth are crazy, but I am CRAZY about them. I love watching youth come to Christ, surrendering their life and giving their all to Him. Watching them ask questions and seek His goodness, it's a lovely treat. I want to see youth on fire, passionately worshiping Christ!

There are moments when I wonder if what I'm teaching is making a difference. Am I just boring them? But then a question is asked, or a youth will add their input to a topic of discussion, and my "heart purrs" (as a lovely friend of mine says). The group I teach (Junior High students) is small (3-5 youth on an average night), but I wouldn't trade them for anything.

At times I wonder if I'm doing enough. That seems to be a common feeling, the feeling that "I should be doing more!" And that's where I got to find that balance, where I challenge myself as a youth leader, but also where I need to have grace upon myself and realize that I can't do it all, especially on my own (I am a leader with a limp as I read in one book).

As my last month draws nearer, I'm finding myself become more and more nostalgic. Talking to the youth, praying for them, teaching them, and just goofing off with them places a bittersweet feeling in my heart. Especially watching as our seniors are about to head off to college, middle schoolers about to enter high school, and the tweens (ministry one is in before entering the youth ministry) about to enter the youth ministry, it's crazy!

My heart's prayer is as I continue to communicate with them while in college, I hope to hear of exciting experiences. Like, that crazy service experience, or that incredible worship night, or how the youth is growing fruitfully (and I'm not talking particularly about size), or how God is just growing them and they are just crazy about Him!

Though I've only been with these youth for three years now, they will be a part of my life forever. I love them dearly and will look forward to the times where I will get to visit them!

To the Wyld.Fire Youth - I love you!