There are days it seems as if God's path for me is so obvious, then there are days when I feel as if I am flailing in the wind. Seems as though lately the latter has been more norm for me. During these times I am so thankful that I serve a God Who never changes. He is truly the One constant in my life--even when He chooses to shake things up a bit.
As the new school year begins, so do our youth programs. This is always an exciting time of year for both the leaders and the kiddos. Because our youth programs do not run during the summer, it is so much fun to reconnect with the children and teens. A fresh year lies ahead and the prospect of watching a child or teen come to know Jesus fills me with seam-bursting excitement! But, this year I am also filled with a little heartache.
I stepped out of youth ministry in January so I could deal with some personal issues. My plate was full with homeschooling and my college classes and I was dealing with some hurt that needed to be resolved before I could continue working with the youth. However, as summer drew near and some healing had occurred I was anxious to get back to the youth. I had missed them terribly! I was still teaching Sunday School, so I was able to stay connected to some of them, but it wasn't enough--I couldn't wait to be fully submersed in youth ministry once more. But, I had also been asked to help with our children's ministry, Jump. I said I would think about it and pray about it, but I was positive I would end up with the teens again. After all, that is where my passion is.
After much thought and prayer I will be working with Jump this year and I have to say--I have mixed feelings about it. I am excited to work with children who are excited to learn about Jesus! They love hearing stories about people in the Bible and it is fun to teach them how to apply those stories to their lives. What a privilege it is to be given the opportunity to shape the life of a child. And, these children are the future student leaders of our church. Exciting! On the other hand, I will miss the teens....immensely. After 5 years of teaching Jr/Sr high Sunday School I will no longer be teaching....and my heart hurts every time I think about it. I will have absolutely no connection to the teens. Yet, I still feel called, maybe more than ever, to youth ministry.
I do not understand this seemingly strange path that God has me on, but I do know that I will follow Him no matter where He leads. I think I have an idea why He is taking me on this ride, but I am seldom correct when I think I know and understand why God--Who's thoughts and ways are so much higher than mine--does something in my life. So, I am along for the ride..praying for His peace and guidance as I embark on this journey.
