18 Going on 24 :: A New Season

Just over a week ago I sat watching many young girls who are very dear to me, walk across a stage receiving their high school diploma. I met many of these beautiful ladies during their freshman year in high school. The beginning of high school for them :: the beginning of youth ministry for me. This graduation ceremony was a bittersweet moment for me — and it continues to play on repeat in my mind and heart. 

It was a realization that just as the season of high school is drawing to an end for them. High school ministry for me, is also coming to an end… for now. 

So, not only, are my wonderful high school friends entering a new season of life (of which I am SO proud); but I am also entering a new season.

And it is hard. 

The day before the graduation ceremony, I was at one of my grads party, when a woman approached me and asked me if I was graduating from high school too — of which I just laughed. I forget that many that don't know me, often think of me as a high school student — especially because I spend so much time with them. 

I didn't know that what she said to me would impact me so greatly, followed by the graduation ceremony. 

I love youth ministry. I love these girls. I have a connection with them that I will probably never have with any other age group. I love pouring my life into them :: and them into me. 

I'm having a really hard time being "ok" with leaving this youth ministry season in Bozeman. 

But, God has asked me to set this youth ministry/Bozeman season down for awhile and travel the world. Don't get me wrong, I am ecstatic about the new season. But the uncertainty of this new season only causes much more grief from the old. 

I'm hoping that God brings me back to full-time youth ministry in the future. I feel alive when working with these girls and I cannot imagine my life without youth — and I am excited to see how God continues to ignite my heart with passion for what He does have for me.

I find myself "18 going on 24". No longer working with high school girls, to see what else God has in store for me. It wasn't really my choice, but God has clearly directed me somewhere new. It is scary and challenging. But just like for those that graduated, it is new and exciting. 

God has been replaying this promise to me over and over:

Hats off to a new season. For my high school girls and for this crazy thing called The World Race. Can't WAIT to see where God brings us all.