Celebrations and Change

Tonight we had the first of a couple celebrations for our graduating class. It was a banquet type celebration with family, food, embarrassing sideshow, and the story of 1000 marbles. You've may have read on here, but this is the largest graduating class since I have been the youth pastor and maybe ever. We have about 24 graduating this year. We celebrated with 15 of those tonight. These are our kids. I have been the only youth pastor that they have had. Most were in 7th grade when we started, some came along more recently, still others we had while children pastors. Another amazing thing, is that I have 4 wonderful leaders who have been right there with me all the way, loving on and encouraging these kids.

It is an exciting time, but also bittersweet. Teenagers that we've seen multiple times a week, sometimes every day, for over 5 years; we will only see monthly at best in a short time. That hurts. But we have new ones to form bonds with and to watch grow now. The cool thing we are starting to see some of the fruits of all of the work God trusted us with. He is so awesome and we are so blessed!

There have been a lot of tears, lots of laughter, miles, mistakes, success, embarrassments, disappointments, a lot of sleepless nights (planned and unplanned), services, events, messes, messages, prayers, and a million other things that have been poured out. There were times when i wanted to walk away and just hide. But it's time like these I'm reminded why don't.

I love it when we finally see God's word withstand, strengthen, encourage, and remind us that His promises are fulfilled.

Galatians 6:9 (The Message)
^9-10So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

A Classic Song for your enjoyment that has meant a lot to me over the years at different transition points in my life.