Last weekend was one of those that I will never forget, and to think that I did not even want to be a part of it. I have kind of been withdrawn from getting back involved with teens, again because I do not want to put myself out there, and go through it all over, again. I was just going to be spend last weekend in the comforts of my own home, but I got a call from a friend, asking if I could help with the Tusculum's Youth Retreat. I did not want to go because these kids do not know me, and what would they think of me being there. Come to find out, i was accepted more than what I thought, and I will explain that later on.
At first we started out at a lock-in at church, due to bad weather. Not your ideal retreat situation, since I do not like lock-ins, but it is not about me. Lock-ins do not accomplish nothing. That Saturday morning we left the church around 8, and it was all day thing of ropes courses, and other things. It was extremely exhausting, but I believe the kids came away with wanting to get to know each other, and become one. I came away with wanting to get to the kids more and building relationships with them. This is going to be fun group to get to know.
The things I came away with that weekend was that it is not about you. I have always known this, but I am afraid many youth ministers and helpers do not realize this. I know youth ministers who are not doing things they use to do because they can not be in control. I also know youth helpers who want to be in too much control. I have never been the type that yells at teens, or embarrass them because there is no reason to. Mainly, because I am not their parent, and it does not accomplish anything. I saw a lot of this, this past weekend by adults who wanted too much control. Get off your high horse! You do not realize how much the teens are mocking you. Also, stop treating me like I am teenager because you do not control me. Remember what impact you are leaving with the teens. But also remember how you treat people in general.
After, last weekend, I have been going back and forth about getting involved with teens, again. In no way am I looking for total control, but I am looking to help teens build their relationship with Jesus. What has made this decision a little harder was that I received an email from the youth minister, Rob, telling me how much he appreciated me being there and helping out. It is great feeling knowing that I am appreciated. So, I have come to the conclusion that I am going to help out, but I only when there is need. I am wanting to get involved with people my own age. I still going to try to be involved in the lives of these teens because they are fun group to work with.
Talking about leaving an impact on the lives people. Next weekend, I am headed to Montgomery, to see some teens I was an intern for, graduate. I received two invitations to graduations. It is a great feeling. Also, next month, I am going to see one of the teenagers that I was an intern for get married. It is great feeling knowing that I made an impact on these people's lives. I am learning a lot lessons in building relationships with Tusculum's Youth Group, and teens that I made a difference in their lives.
