On Tuesday I had to do some grocery shopping for our youth leaders’ network Christmas party. When I got to the register, however, I realized that I had forgotten my tax exempt form. I called the church and asked one of the secretaries to fax it to the store. While I was waiting, I allowed a couple of ladies to pass me in line. Having nothing else to do, and waiting near the end of the check out line, I decided to bag their groceries for them. When the first lady realized that I did not work for the store she thanked me for helping, adding that I didn’t have to do it. I told her I was glad to help. On her way out, she told me she had been having a really bad day, and that I had “restored [her] faith in the decency of humanity” through my kindness. I thought that was an intriguing line. Of course, I know that God was using it to do more than that, and ultimately I trust that it was pointing her beyond humanity to our Creator and His love for His children.
Wednesday was an historic day in our family. Claudia was the first one to get braces! Way to go Claudia! They put the top ones on. In two weeks she will get her TPA put in, and in a few weeks she will get the wire on as well as braces on her bottom teeth. She will have them for about 2 1/2 years. It is definitely an adjustment for her, but she is doing really great!
On Tuesday night, our weekly family night, our friend Chef John Long came over to give the girls a promised cooking lesson. Together they made John’s awesome and famous clam chowder. Our friends Stan and Mama Muller joined us for dinner. It was a super fun night!
This evening I wrapped up my long trek through Duffy Robbins’ book This Way to Youth Ministry. It is an academic book published by Youth Specialties and is definitely intended for a youth ministry class setting. Nevertheless, even after 8 years in full-time youth ministry, I am always up for a refresher course, so I undertook the almost 600-page book. It is an in-depth look at a theological framework for healthy, biblical youth ministry, and it reminded me why I got into youth ministry, and why I am passionate about it to this day. In his conclusion, Duffy says:
“It never ceases to amaze me: when I am out on the road, training youth workers in the field, I am always blown away by their eagerness to learn. They come early, leave late, take notes, hang around, and ask questions. Their attitude is basically, ‘Fill my cup; I lift it up …’
“But then when I give my students back at Eastern University – wonderful people, mind you – exactly the same information, they are somewhat nonplussed by it all. The sense of urgency just is not as real there in the intro class. Instead of ‘Fill my cup,’ some guy in the back of the classroom raises his hand, looks at me earnestly and asks, ‘Is this going to be on the test?'”
He then goes on to talk about the ignorant state of bliss, the unconscious incompetence, that is an accurate description of those who have never been out in the field. Having been in youth ministry for a lot of years now, I am one who understands the value and practicality of contributions such as Duffy’s, and understands the importance of continuously sharpening my youth ministry tools. As Duff says, “There is nothing like combat to get you interested in how your rifle works!” We’re never beyond learning!
Today Claudia participated in The Pre-Teen Challenge at our church. The kids played fun games, learned Scripture, and almost most importantly, got SLIMED! Watch Claudia get slimed in the video! So fun! I probably shouldn’t say this, but she ate the slime too! GROSS! lol
Today Adriana and I had the joy of leading 34 of our students in serving Jesus together at our church’s annual Senior Saints Christmas Luncheon. We had such a blast working hard and laughing together as we blessed others in the name of Jesus! We were so proud of our team and know that they had a great time serving the Lord. Who Needs Pockets?
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