I feel old. Really old. I was painfully reminded of that fact just a few weeks ago at the Grove City High School Baccaleaurate service. I was asked to be a greeter outside of the sanctuary before the service began. At first I was encouraged as I greeted students and families. I had watched a lot of these students grow up and mature and now I was amazed to see them as young adults starting their post high school lives.
Then it happened.
Kelly and I were talking in the entryway and someone came up to us and asked us which one of our kids was graduating.
All of those happy feelings went away. Was I really looking that old that someone might say that? Could I have finally gotten to the point where I no longer look young? I was crushed.
Honestly though I've been feeling that way for awhile. Youth Ministry is supposedly a "young" profession. Taking students to retreats and conferences I see it. These "giddy" twenty somethings are prancing around with their stylish hair and in vogue clothes. They know all the latest music and know what kids are watching. They seem "cool" and I have to admit I'm jealous.
Then I remember that youth ministry is a calling and I'm exactly where God wants me to be. God has put me exactly where he wants me to be. Luckily, I've always had no hair by choice. I like my blue jeans and polo shirts and the last time I listened to the radio all I could think about how much better those songs sounded the first time around by their original artists. Truly, these things aren't important and I've learned throughout these years that teenagers really only care about one thing: Presence.
Students just want someone to be there. Someone to accept them for who they are. Someone that they can count on to talk to when things seem impossible. I've been blessed with being able to be there throughout these past years and I've come to realize that 95% of my job is just that--being there.
My question this month is will you join me? Will you just be there for a student. All it takes is an open heart and a listening ear. You have no idea the impact of just being present. If you are willing, just come speak with me and together we'll find ways for you to be present in the lives of these students.
