Thanksgiving Valentine

“Marvelous Monday” – Special Midweek Edition (wink)

When young people love you, it is one of the best feelings in the world. Society says this generation of teenagers are self-absorbed, ungracious, materialistic and apathetic. But, how are millennial teens any different from the generations before them? Weren’t you a little self-absorbed as a teen? I know I was! My parents are witnesses and can tell you ALL about it.

There comes a time in an adult’s life, when if you’re lucky, you’ll get to experience true demonstrations of love. I’m not talking about love in the romantic sense. I mean the complex, authentic, and endearing love from a young person whose life you’ve impacted.

I currently have the honor of serving as the youth director at a local church. I’ve never been a youth director before, but I gladly accepted the invitation to serve in this capacity. I knew that I was good at working with young people and that I had a lot of experience. I also love church so I figured it could be “a good fit!”

My assumption has proved to be an understatement! In a few short months of being in my role, I have seen young people laugh, cry, give, speak, sing, play, act, cheer each other on, grow and love! They have grown closer as a group and I am just so thankful to be in the midst.

They are really great kids; genuine and fun to be around. I don’t usually wonder if they are glad to have me at the church or ya know, if they like me, because really, what adult thinks about if a teenager likes you? (It’s okay if you raised  your hand)

Well, if I ever wondered if they were learning or getting something out of our time together, I don’t have to wonder anymore! Their Valentine’s Day surprise for me was more than I could have ever desired or even guessed would happen! I was completely shocked and so very thankful. There were even happy tears and there are pictures and video as proof.

Thank you to the young people I am privileged to walk with and talk with. Thank you to the parents who allow me to be a life coach to their loved one, especially at a time when communication decreases and demands increase. I am thankful to be a teacher to Gen Zers, who I teach me just as much as I teach them!

I hope to always be in a place where I don’t take their expressions of gratitude for granted. I hope to continue to see them for who they are at this time in their lives. That I will continue to “lovingly scold them” to push them to the places beyond where they think they can go. That I will often say “Thank you” to them – for letting me hang out, cry happy tears, laugh and just “Be.”

May “Love Day” Be Each and Every Day for All of YOU!