I started doing Student Ministry as a Young life volunteer. I had a "real" job ( I sold toilet paper and lots of it...don't laugh everybody needs it right?) and lived a normal life. I never would have guessed that 14 years later I would still be hanging out with middle school and high school kids and doing it professionally. Over the course of that time there were phases when I would look ahead and think I'm gonna do this 'til Johnny graduates. Then Johnny graduated and I said I think I can do this until Suzy and Joey graduate. Most recently, I said I think once Russ, Zak and Steve graduate I'm done. That would be June '08.
This past Wednesday, I drove a car full of freshmen guys from our weekly meeting over to the local fast food joint. Football players, skaters, honors-class kids and gamers; great homes, broken homes, dysfunctional homes; leaders, followers, and rebels, all who have allowed me into their amazing, wacky messed-up lives. We laughed and joked the whole drive. We piled out of mini-van and I watched the six of them walk into the restaurant.
I smiled and thought to myself I gonna do this 'til I'm old and grey.
tags student ministry youth ministry
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11 comments:
I couldn't agree with you more, TK since I am older than you. I have thougth that same idea in my head but God isn't finished with me and those kids need someone like me and you. Keep up the great work
TC
TC-
As much as we miss you, I do get psyched on a pretty regular basis thinking about you building into kids in NC.
peace,
tk
A couple years ago I met a guy in his 60s with white hair and all who's been serving as the Jr. High pastor at his church for 20 years! It was incredible! He wore a baseball hat, baggy pants, oversized t-shirt and was bouncing around with all the enthusiasm of someone half his age. I hope one day I'll be just like him.
Tk,
you? old & grey? nevahhh.
you are the best, and I admire so much how you open your home to kids and adults alike. plus don't forget your own kids will be that age one day too! you'll never escape it.
--stacey t.
p.s. thanks for the incredible soup last night. and the fellowship.
hey guys,
thanks for the comments. TC, stace ya'll are too kind.
Tim-60 year old youth guy...I think I have a new hero.
tk
I couldn't have put my thoughts about it any better. Thanks.
Well, I'm more than halfway there at 35. Here's to us guys who aren't in this until we get a better gig.
Hey Paul...Better gig? What could be better?
The sleep deprivation, the long hours, the messy lives...It doesn't get much better than that and I wouldn't change a single piece of it.
thanks for stopping by.
tk
This is beautiful, tk.
There are some very blessed NE folks, that's for sure.
Hey I was one of those freshman!
Yes you were my friend, yes you were. And now you are leading kids, I am blessed to have been a part your journey.
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