Warning: this post has little to do with me but has everything to do with Christ's work in some AWESOME students.
This summer I completed my internship with Faith Bible Church's youth group (more specifically, our Senior High: EPIC). Now, I know that more often than not – every intern at some point amidst their internship is going to brag that they got to serve with some of the best high schoolers known to man.
But really….
I did.
no contest.
Although I'm not leaving leaving, my time spent there will be less, and my involvement will slowly dwindle until I become just a visitor, and to be honest – that's one of the hardest and saddest truths I have ever admitted.
BUT. It's also one of the happiest realizations. Knowing that I received the privilege to serve with 60+ high schoolers who – honestly – are seeking Christ daily, who meet with their friends to discuss struggles, who seek guidance from leadership, who encourage one another, who don't slander, who love the lesser, who are inclusive, who are servant-hearted and kingdom-minded, who continually seek situations to show Christ to their friends, who are constant displays of God's joy, who are eager for reproof because of their desire to live above reproach….Knowing that I received the privilege to serve THOSE students-turned-friends absolutely floors me.
This morning they had a "goodbye" party for me complete with trivial games about the countries I'll go to, and a "race" throughout the continents. As I caught eyes with student after student, I realized that even though they were thanking me for everything, it was truly I who should be thanking them. They have shown me Christ and pointed to the cross in more ways than I could ever type in a blog.
I have grown in wisdom because of their pointing to Christ.
I have grown to love more than I thought I could love because of the love they have given me.
I am challenged to seek Christ as hungrily and eagerly as they do.
So, I'm writing this not as a great revelation about where God is leading me or a great revelation about the Race or anything…but I'm writing this because I'm literally at a loss for spoken words of who I'm leaving. I love the line in the ever popular song, "Closing Time": every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.
So…another hurdle crossed into beginning this new adventure as the old one comes to a close.
To my dear friends of EPIC:
Thank you for letting me into your lives and giving me a chance to serve you. Thank you for letting me display my passion for my Savior. Thank you for showing your obedience to His Word and Commandments as you walk the halls of your high schools, and for some of you – your colleges, now.
As you start this next school year – seek Christ. Keep it Kingdom. Love the lesser. Serve the needy. Be kind and gracious. Be present with the Lord.
Know that I'm about to approach EVERY person that I meet on this race with the love, compassion, and servant-leadership that I have been encouraged to show in my time spent with you guys…so basically, you're coming with me! 🙂
I love you all.
