I Love Youth Ministry

This afternoon, after spending time preparing a message on divorce for the jr. high group (that was somewhat depressing), I got out of the office to do what I got into youth ministry for - build relationships with students and love on them. I first went to a jr. high volleyball match at Lolo Middle School. All the 7th graders I know were on the away team (they have multiple teams), but I had a wonderful time visiting with students in the stands. I saw a few I knew, and then they introduced me to many I didn't. The end result was setting up a pizza lunch with three jr. high guys, as well as meeting a few students I may be helping with track this spring. I finished off my time cheering on the 8th grade girls. They have some wicked servers on that team, and took the first match 25-14. One of our girls served the final three serves to win the match. I had to head for home then.

After dinner at home, Shari and I left for Valley Christian School's Choir Tour Fund Raising Dessert. There are two girls from the church in that group, and we really wanted to support them. It was only an hour, but ohhh what an hour. The choir was excellent, but the trio of girls that our two belong to were amazing. They sang a variety of genres, and ended with a nice high soprano shot at the end. They blended, they ended in tune and on pitch. It was a nice, relaxing date with my wife.

To be able to go to stuff like that in order to love and support students - those are the activities that make people question how something so enjoyable can be a real job... and I am so thankful it is. Thank you, God, for giving me the privilege of loving students, their parents, and the people of the community, and making disciples.