Every time.
I even wrote it at the top of my attendance chart that I sit and fill out every Sunday and Wednesday night. Something I'm learning as we progress through this life course of Ministry 101 is : People, no matter their age, but especially teens... will respond to humilty, gentleness, patience and love. It may take weeks or months - or years. But, part of my job is loving them to Jesus.
I say this because my natural bent or reaction is to be abrupt or "in yo face" about issues I see and how they need corrected, "because when I was your age...". Uh-huh. And, there is a place for biblical correction in some/many circumstances - but sometimes, I fear, we've lost that in youth ministries and an "anything goes" atmosphere is created. But, for me - I don't want to be that youth leader that is constantly nagging about what a teen is wearing or listening to or doing on the weekends. I want to be the loving leader that approaches in humility and true care for a teen. I want to pour out my life on the students and show them HOW to live by example - as Christ did for me.
So, God has been peeling back layers of my heart - breaking down my rough edges and quick tongue and showing me the power of LOVE and gentle words. Yes, I know for sure that times will come where confrontation and late night phone calls and tears will be appropriate. I know, from what the Word of God says, that it won't always be as easy as soft words and an understanding face...
But I pray and beg God to show me times when I need to shut my mouth, swallow my opinions, and just Love. These kids are too important! Their souls need saving! And God has chosen my husband and I to lead the pack, in a way...
1 comment:
The same is true for college kids and "big people" too!
Can't wait to spend some time with you this weekend at the retreat!!!
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