Out for summer
 
Now that I’ve completed all my graduation speaking duties (I spoke for Mesa Grande Academy’s 8th grade graduation and senior Baccalaureate service; and a church service in there as well!), not only are all the kids out for summer break, but I feel like I’m right there with them. There is such burden off my shoulders and I feel like I’m free again to pursue anything I want in ministry.
 
One thing in particular that I’m excited about is being able to just be with my youth kids. During the school year, they always have so much going on (and for some reason, I always seem to have a lot more going on as well), and we never end up just hanging out very much. Sure, I go to the school and see them in-between classes, at lunch, or after school. And although there are times when I get to meaningfully connect with one of them, the interaction seems to mostly be superficial.
 
So, now that they are free, I’m looking forward to putting things in my schedule that allow me just to be present with them without an agenda. Like yesterday, was awesome. Back to back youth ministry all day. In the afternoon we had our first Video Production Day, where we made a video (you can see it at www.calimesayouth.com) and had a great time just having fun. I didn’t feel rushed like we had to finish it quick or move on to the next thing. We just took our time and enjoyed it. Then there was basketball practice, which included rides from me up to the school, where there was more conversation and connecting. We played and learned (and ran sprints (punishment)), and it was great. After this I took a few of them out to eat at Subway, which again, was sweet because we got to just sit there at the table and laugh and not feel like we needed to leave. To end the night we headed back to the church for the first week of a 4-part Bible study on getting to know God. There was deep discussion, laughs, great DVD clips to go with it, and actually, very insightful and meaningful comments from the 7 or so kids who came. And finally, I got to take a couple guys home, which is something I don’t always do during the school year. To go to where they live and see their house seems to give me another glimpse into who they are.
 
Anyway, if the rest of the summer goes like this, it will be a great one.
 
 
 
Wednesday, June 11, 2008