I sit here in awe about how being a leader to Jr. High students can change, teach and impact a person so incredibly to the core... that it refines and purifies the soul unlike any other.
I remember when I first began leading Jr. High students my freshman year of college. I was nervous and scared. Would the little sevies like me? Would I be cool enough? Would relationships be built? Would I fail in serving the One I love?
The past 6 years have taught me that service is not about myself. It is about showing Jesus more... being humble enough to acknowledge the fact that what I do on my own will not last... but what Jesus does will last for all eternity. I am merely the pot that perhaps pours out His love a little.
I simply hope... and trust... that my heart has been open enough for Jesus to have worked through me, so that He may have left lasting impact and change... and of course love... in the lives of these young people.
It seems as if rising emotions will be unavoidable in the next couple of weeks as I say good-bye to my current 9th grade girls... and to this youth ministry that I hold so deeply in my heart.
Fortunately, it is not a complete good bye. God has seemed to "gift" me with characteristics that adults cannot seem to understand... but Jr. Highers do. Perhaps I'll be back in the thick of youth ministry in no time... perhaps the journey is simply taking a small detour for now...
All I know is that this detour is right, for right now.
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