I want to know what you're thinkin ...

The thing about my mind is that it never shuts off! It’s like the energizer bunny, keeps going and going … you know the story. Been thinking about things … like youth group. Wondering about what it takes for us to be the type of group that finds itself working with each other and not against. There are a lot of people that come. That’s cool. There are a lot of people who enjoy it. Cool again. But the struggle is “what next?” I don’t care if they really like it when I teach. I enjoy teaching and I want it to be enjoyable for those that are listening. I guess the words of Jesus hit home when he speaks about the wise man and the foolish man. One hears the words and does something and the other hears and continues in his way. Stupid by the way! My hope is that the words are seen not as mine but as God’s. That those who are listening are listening for what needs to change in their heart. Tiffany told me last night that when asked, her D-group said that a leader in the youth group was me. And the next leader they could think of is Tiff because she is connected to me. Serious? It seems as though somewhere the authority or position of youth pastor has taught these youth that leading only happens there. I realize that it’s not everyone who feels this way (those names mentioned in the previous post). But my mind runs with this thought: How do we help, journey, encourage a new mindset. I know the Holy Spirit does that work and we join in. Maybe it’s just a control thing for me? Maybe it’s a guy thing … “gotta fix them”. Or maybe it’s the truth that I want nothing more than for each of the youth that I meet to know of the blessing of knowing God. I just read that and it confused me. Let me try that again! I know and love Jesus and he loves me back. I hope and desire that others would hope and desire that too. And then live it out. High school and college people are fantastic. I don’t want to do something that God does … step in and tell him it’s my turn to try now. I want to love and show mercy, walk humbly, do justly, and be courageous … because this is the way I hope others would choose to live. Of course it all starts with knowing and receiving Jesus Christ. Maybe that’s it … maybe Jesus is talked about in their lives but just doesn’t lead it. Ok … that changes everything …