La Joe Montana cala di cee mata da...or I think thats how that lion king song starts yeah Kalahari

Well soccer last night was strange, nothing like playing against some girls and some dudes. Oh yeah and the dudes used to be professional soccer players. Anyhow we tied and that means we don't stink as bad as we thought.

I have only been a Youth Pastor for like 2yrs full time and I'm beginning to notice the different reactions from kids who have graduated from our group. We have had some who say I'm going to college to be a Pastor or Youth Pastor. Then turn around a couple months later change their mind don't go to college at all and decide their time would be better spent partying. Another one is all paid and ready to go off to Bible College far from home shows up at your house at 10:00 pm balling their eyes out worried that if they leave their family will fall apart and life will be over. Any how these are just two examples by the way the first I have no clue where their life is going, but the second one they're doing awesome turns out they decided to follow through and despite their greatest fears about what might happen are really growing and learning a lot. You see as a Pastor, Youth Pastor, or even a Sunday School teacher your goal is to reach and teach every kid you can with the love of God so hopefully someday they will have a relationship with Jesus and do the same thing. Here's the catch they decide whats right for them and sometimes our effort, time, and love mean nothing. I'm not saying this to make us stop and wonder if it's worth our time doing these things in fact it's just the opposite. In my mind I've thought about quiting a million times I never would unless God told me to move on but I've had the thoughts. But besides the ups and downs Youth Ministry rules and I wouldn't want to be doing anything else.

Here's why my wife who rules by the way took one of our youth kids out for dinner, she's having knee surgery today and was a little nervous so dinner always helps. During their conversation the topic of Youth Group came up now to give you a little back ground this girl is bombarded with God every minute of everyday. She goes to christian school, her parents are strong Christians and she's involved in the church. So my wife asks her about Youth Group and she says it's cool but I probably wouldn't come if me and my wife weren't so real. Now I know she could be the only kid in the group that actually thinks this way but that's the point you can look at the lives you've touched an think I haven't done anything. Or you look to the one that God has put there for you to touch and realize that sure you can't save everyone but you can help this one. That's what it all about helping the one's God has ordained you to help and letting him take care of the rest.

So to anyone reading this whether you are a student, teacher, or preacher be thankful for the ones God has put in your life. And maybe just maybe affirm and thank those people who you are touching, or the ones that have touched you.