Vapor Life

So my job has changed a bit recently. I am diving back into youth ministry, half time, for another season and as I was preparing for our parents summer kick off gathering it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was taking a walk through the building where our Church celebrates and the lights were off. I had just spent several hours on the computer finalizing a calendar and had taken a walk around the dark auditorium. As I paused I pressed my back up against a wall and a deep sense of something uncomfortable washed over me.
I love kids, I love playing with students and listening to their wild ideas and silliness. I love their energy and undiscovered potential. I love running and sweating and seeing God wake them from their spiritual fog. I love all of it. And I also have loved every year having my children involved at some level. My youngest is graduating in less than two weeks and in the fall he will no longer be in the youth group. This will be the first time since 1993 that I haven’t had a child in my youth ministry and that is a bit weird for me. For the most part they have been my partners in this crazy life of student ministry. Jennifer and all of her boundless energy, Matthew and his inquisitive creativity and Ryan and his big heart have really been a blessing to me.
This getting old thing has been subject of a few of my blogs lately. I didn’t even intentionally sit down to write this tonight, it has just foamed over the edge of the cup.
What an honor and privilege it has been to see God work in them and others. Now it is time to raise up another generation of people who will passionately live for Jesus and this time it doesn’t include any of my children, but if I get to keep at it long enough maybe a grandchild will come along… kidding!