As I prepare to go to Bible camp this weekend, my mind is drawn to a woman who was a youth leader at the school I attended. She love us all and without knowing my story, She still reached out and touched my life.
I was drawn in to my faith by the presence of God and His spirit, but grew in faith because of this caring and well-meaning woman. She taught Sunday school and youth group. She shushed us when we talked too loud during service. She herded us teens onto the bus every Saturday afternoon so that we could go to the nursing homes and sing and let wrinkled hands rest on our smooth ones.
Looking back, I know I was trying at times. Like the time I kissed the boy on the youth group hayride... ( I was 13... lol) Or when I shared my testimony for the first time and I uttered a curse word in the middle. I ran out of the room in embarrassment, but the woman found me outside. “Maybe you could say it a different way next time,” she said with a smile. Her hug made me feel safe and accepted.
I know next week will bring behaviorally challenged teens in my world. They act on impulse. They say things that make you cringe. They run after God, but fall just as hard in the process.
And yet I have to keep loving them, teaching them about God, and showing them that their life matters to God. Maybe their home life is a secret, like mine was. Lots of teens need spiritual moms and dads because, for some, the only way they see Jesus is through us.
A few years ago I ran into the woman who made such an impact on me. When I thanked her and her husband, now in their golden years, for all that they had done, the response was, “We didn’t do that much. We just loved you kids.”
What they didn’t realize is that their love helped that sometimes annoying teen with A LOT of issues and problems growing up, to be an almost college graduate , a hard worker, and someone who the kids look up to and someone who is wrapped up in Jesus. I want them to know that every word I write, every time I talk to a kid, every time I kneel and pray with someone to know Christ, it is somehow linked back to a couple of faithful adults who loved me right where I was. Their patient example showed me Jesus.
One day in eternity I know they’ll understand. But for now I want them to know that they transformed my life.
I’ll always be grateful.
I know from last year, some of the things the kids at camp come out and tell you is MIND BLOWING!! And the fact that they trust you to give them answers and guidance... is humbling. They are just looking for someone to love them and let them know that they are ok and that there is someone who does care about them. And the opportunity to introduce them to an unfailing love found in Christ Jesus, is an awesome experience! I just want to be the same influence on these kids that Tonya and her husband were on me.
Father God, help me to be faithful to show Your love to a teen or a child who needs it. Help me to be patient and serve as an example. We don’t know every story but You do. Thank You that small acts of faithfulness can be multiplied in Your hands.
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