Being a Jr.
High leader, passionate about “my girls,” I get to experience some crazy energy
at times.
I have been a small group
leader to these girls for several years now and I love them so much!
God has blessed me with the opportunity to
lead them, challenge them, struggle with them, praise with them, have fun with
them, encourage others with them, grow with them and so much more.
Last night we had some extra time after the
lesson and were talking, making jokes, bouncing around with all kinds of energy,
while they ate their tropical flavored Skittles (just what they need – more
sugar!) when we got this brilliant idea to jump off the stage and take a
picture while in mid-air.
I definitely enjoy these kinds of pictures.
Without my
suggestion, they decided to hold hands as they jumped.
Although something simple, it really got me
thinking about the unity these girls have among each other.
They love each other through action and
obvious concern for one another.
When
one is missing from small group on Sunday nights, they ask about her and pray
for her.
When one is sick, they want to
send a note to encourage her.
When there
are Jr. High girls who attend on Wednesday night but are uninvolved in small
groups, they invite them and show they care.
When there is a new visitor, they are welcoming. When one is struggling with an answer or a problem in life, they suggest
things to help.
When someone does
something nice for them, they always say thank you.
When one is down, they encourage with kind
words and hugs.
They challenge each
other.
And yes, have fun and laugh together too!
They truly care about each other and it
shows.
No, they don’t always agree on
everything, but they are able to discuss, are open to new ideas and
perspectives, and think about what each one is saying.
They listen and respond.
They love –
God’s way!
got me thinking about the unity the team is going to have, and must have, as we
go around the world in 11 months!
Each
of us will be striving for the same goal, and unity is so important – growing
to love each other no matter the differences may be; being a shoulder to cry
on, an encouragement when someone is down, a challenge when someone needs a
little push, welcoming, so tight that Satan doesn’t have any room to squeeze in
(arms and
hands locked tight as we
jump into this next year full of uknowns)!
God can
do so much through unified people and that is what our group is striving
for…moving forward in Christ as one!
We’ll all bring our different personalities, talents, backgrounds,
troubles, passions, strengths, weaknesses, giving them to God to use in whatever
He wills.
What amazes me is that He
isn’t just going to use and unifty those of us traveling, but He’s using prayer
and financial supporters staying right at home!
Everyone plays a part and is equally important in this mission.
God is bringing us all together to accomplish
His will and further His kingdom—pretty amazing!
“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in Unity!”
~Psalm 133:1
