It’s Wednesday and I find myself without a song to write about this week. Not that there haven’t been a couple that turned my head – but I don’t want to feel like I’m forcing the issue because of some self-imposed deadline.
As you can read in previous blogs, the last few weeks have been somewhat of a roller-coaster of emotions for me. But I’m happy to report that this week has more or less been about stabilization – and for that, I am extremely grateful (emotions are exhausting!). While I’m still continuing to work through the struggles I’ve been writing about – I’d like to take this week’s “Worship Wednesday” blog and dedicate it to something a little different:
The Chapel Hill youth group!
For the past two-ish years, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to work alongside some fantastic students and other youth mentors. And in that time, I’ve learned a lot.
When I first threw my hat in the ring to join the youth ministry at my church, I was extremely nervous. I had been attending Chapel Hill for only a year (which means I was only a year into my faith) when I started to feel a nudge that I should get involved in a ministry. But I didn’t feel qualified to do anything – despite my best efforts, I couldn’t sing; at the time, I didn’t really care for babies or have the patience for small children; I was young and single so I didn’t think I could easily relate with many of the other women… I tried to think of things that I did “know” or “could” do – and I realized at the time that the easiest answer was “me”. I knew myself and my experiences and that I was able and willing to share if it meant that someone else could use that information to their benefit. I had seen the way God had been at work in my life (both in my past and in the present – and even how His voice was currently building out my future). And God eventually used that line of thinking to help me find my “someone” – the youth at my church.
In these two years, I will honestly say that I believe I’ve learned just as much, if not more, from the youth at my church than they have from me. I’ve studied, researched topics and prepared for lessons. I’ve had the opportunity to teach (though I felt SO unqualified) and share my heart and experiences. I’ve had to learn patience (and have royally FAILED at it a few times). I’ve laughed so hard I cried (thank you Tim Hawkins!). I’ve been able to make students laugh at my expense and grow into deeper relationships with them through that. Can you believe they actually let me stand at the front of the room with a mic and help lead worship?! I’ve been able to watch students grow in their faith and in the Word (seriously, some of these students can talk circles around me when it comes to the Bible!). I’ve had to learn how to lean into God when I’ve been asked questions to which I have absolutely no answer. And it’s been amazing to be blessed with the opportunity to love on each these students.
Last week was our Year End Finale (and we had a Scavenger Hunt – I’ve included some of the pictures from my team) – and I realize that I’ll be in India when everything gets started back up again. It makes me sad that I won’t be there every week to hear the latest on what’s going on at school and that I’ll miss them for an entire year. But I pray God would bless me with an opportunity (or two!) to Skype them from wherever I am that month!
For His glory,
Nat
