For some crazy reason, I love teenagers. I love them in a way many parents don't! I love to hang out with them, hear about their lives, meet their friends, know about their families. They are in an incredibly unique stage in life, walking the fine line between childhood and adulthood while they maneuver their schools, balance their social schedules and define themselves. Thankfully, I'm priviledged to be on the front lines to witness that development not only in the lives of my own kids and their immediate friends, but to almost 100 others in my youth group.
The generation we're raising up right now is often referred to as the "Entitlement Generation," and while teens are generally perceived to be selfish, covetous people, many of the ones I know are quite the opposite. I've seen kids start prayer groups on their public junior high campuses, donate their own money and raise funds for orphanages, fund-raise for friend's camps and give up literally hours each week to serve by scrubbing toilets, stuffing Easter eggs and stacking chairs. Many times I've been dumbfounded by their actions. For kids that the public thinks are frivilous, immoral and disrespectful, they are loving more boldly than I see a lot of my own generation doing.
I hang out with teenagers because it's fun. I do it because it brings me joy; because God has called me to it; because I have the rare opportunity to speak into young people's lives and they listen. They make me laugh. They make me want to love Jesus more. They make me a better parent. They allow me to gain insight on what it means to be a woman, a Christian and a mom. I do it because it gives me the opportunity to know their parents. They let me encourage them, hug them, be silly with them and love them. I hang out with teenagers because I can't imagine not doing it.
I have the opportunity to travel 2500 miles in a few weeks with about 75 young people to Colorado to attend the Desperation Conference at New Life Church in Colorado Springs. Stacee and I went last year and it changed our lives. That may sound trite and cliche, but it's true. For those of you believers reading this, you can't argue with spending more time with Jesus, practicing Biblical disciplines (like fasting and meditation) or spending more time in prayer than either of us ever had been in the habit of doing. We're both really excited that AJ will go with us this year. I've seen God honor prayers that Stacee and I prayed last summer. Our family has benefitted greatly from our time there last year and we're waiting excitedly to see what God does through our experience this year. The trip is costing us about $1000 (plus a few meals on the road and other necessities - a tent, snacks & 3 air mattresses) and while we've fund-raised and received donations for the bulk of it, we're still needing some more. If you're reading this and so led, please consider supporting us. Checks to East Valley Church are tax-deductible, but please send them to me so I can make sure it goes to support us.
I'm honored to love on these students. I'm so greatful that God created us so uniquely so not everyone wants to lead worship or feed the hungry or be a foster parent. I love doing what I do. I'm constantly surprised that they not only allow me to be a youth leader, but the kids want me there. How blessed am I?
