Just "whelmed"

A person can be overwhelmed. A person can be underwhelmed. But can a person just be "whelmed?"

There is a lot on my plate lately but it's not exactly overwhelming. However, I stay busy and challenged enough to not be underwhelmed either. There is a lot to be excited about this year. My high school youth group has tripled! However, this upcoming Sunday is confirmation, so we'll see if those numbers stay after that. I have told some people, but I am cautious about being excited about the growth because I am waiting to see some kids stop coming. Last year the first couple of weeks there were more than there were any other time of the year. I would love if they all stayed, but I bracing myself for the reality that they aren't going to. And that's maybe ok. In high school the kids that come are the kids that want to be there...for the most part.

I have been thinking a lot lately and that unusual for me. Just kidding. It's not unusual for me at all. I just keep wondering what God has in store for me. That's kind of selfish. During college I had direction but since seminary that has been so elusive to me. I am doing what I am doing but have no idea what the future holds. For a lot, that seems ideal. I have very few attachments, so the world is open to me (for the most part.) But what I want is some direction. I would like some goal to work toward. I have learned that I tend to get lazy without something to work toward. I love what I do now, but when 6th graders are asking me if I will still be here when they graduate, there is a small voice in my head that says, "I really hope that is not God's plan..."

I've known for awhile that my life wouldn't resemble those closest to me. I mean, I'm 25 and single. That's almost an unforgivable sin in the Midwest - especially if you are Christian! I should be multiplying God's kingdom by my family. What can I say... I'm a rebel. I will multiply God's kingdom through other means.

Just some rambling. SYATP was this morning. We had about 50 kids show up. Smaller than last year, but I'm still happy with the turnout.

That's all. Later.

It all begins again

This Sunday is Rally Sunday at our church. That means we switch back from summer hours, Sunday School begins, and Youth Fellowship begins. I have a special service planned for yf this week. We are going to do a covenant service and start the year by being reminded that God has made all things new. In Christ we are a new creation. Therefore, it is my hope that we can begin this year without a lot of baggage.

Rally Sunday also means I've been busy putting the youth room back together. This last month has been spent priming and painting the walls. We have a few things left to paint, but I am going to wait on those until this winter when we have a bit of a slow season. I think that is the best idea because it will allow for them to discuss what they want for the last mural and bit of wall to be done. I want this to feel like their room, after all.

I commented to my mother today that starting Sunday I will be crazy busy again. She replied, "When aren't you crazy busy?" This last year has flown by and my schedule is already filling up for the new year. I like it though. I like having a job that's crazy and unpredictable at times. I love having students show up in my office just to hang out because they were bored. I love going to games and sitting next to nervous parents as they watch their son or daughter play. So, while it keeps me busy, I don't mind.

If you are reading this, I am going to ask you a favor. Please send up a prayer for my youth groups this year. Both middle school and high school. Pray that they would encounter God in a powerful way. Pray that God would break through their walls and soften their hearts. And pray that their schedules don't get the best of them!!

Thanks!