Trekking with Teens

 

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
    the fruit of the womb a reward.

Psalm 127:3 ESV 

Happy Monday, Girlfriends!

I am refreshed after a weekend get-away with teenagers at a retreat center in northern Virginia. "Recuperating" was actually my first choice of wording but I went with "refreshed" after considering, "To which part of myself am I referring?" If my spirit is the subject, then ladies, refreshed is definitely an understatement. If my physical self is the topic, then recuperating is also an understatement! 

I love engaging with young people for the very reason why I am both in need of a nap at 10:30 am on Monday morning while, at the same time, full of joy and excitement for the week ahead. Teens are abundantly full of energy, endurance, and emotion. Keeping up with them as we explored the forest and creek behind the retreat center required climbing hills and rocks, hanging from fallen tree trunks, dodging barbed wire fences, and hopping stone to stone across the flowing water. I loved it. They loved it. And we have the wacky photos to prove it! Yet beyond the physical stamina, this weekend also necessitated spiritual and mental fortitude. The bodily energy of teens is nothing compared to the intensity with which they think, feel, and desire answers to all of life's questions, none of which allow for pat answers. I am honored that the Lord, through Gateway Church and its leadership, provided me opportunity to nurture this group of teens for a few days, despite my own short-comings and parental insecurities. 

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

I have read and heard Proverbs 22:6 more times than I can count, relying upon God's directions to me as I train my own children in the way to go. I pray fervently that the Lord will empower and enlighten me as I implement His instructional plan. I submit to His will, knowing that my parenting knowledge is feeble and my skills minimal in comparison to His ability to be our Father. Nonetheless, as I rely upon Him, I know I must give the effort He requires of me and to the best of my ability, educate, discipline, and support my children in their overall growth. Easy, it is not. My knees hit the floor, tears streaming from my eyes and worry pouring from my lips, days and nights beyond count. And while I know the Lord hears every plea and acknowledges every bent knee, my insecurity has driven me to reach out to my fellow sisters in Christ, begging for prayer and asking for suggestions and feedback.

Girlfriends, you know what I mean. Many of you have been the very women to take my trembling hands into your own, soothe my aching heart, and place me at the feet of the Jesus, petitioning Him for discernment, insight, and peace on my behalf. Ladies, God is calling us to support and sustain one another in every aspect of life, including parenting and preparing the next generation, so that we may have eternal life together?

He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11

On the way home from this weekend's retreat, our caravan stopped at a fast food restaurant.  While eating, I noticed an elderly woman, wearing a beautiful pink blouse with an embroidered grey sweater vest, purposely choosing to sit at a table among our lively group. The kids were giggling and swapping stories from the weekend while the lady in pink silently observed. As we prepared to leave, this woman stopped me with a question. She asked if we were a school group. When I informed her that we actually are a church youth group returning from a retreat, her face lit up. For the next few minutes, she excitedly relayed to me how her husband had worked with teens all of his life and that she absolutely adored their laughter. Listening to our kids just now had flooded her mind with memories. With joy in her voice, this spirited woman informed me that although she may look old on the outside, she is actually very young inside--so young that while recently speaking at a church, the pastor had asked her if she was available to work for their youth ministry. She giggled, explaining that she will always have the heart of a child. I nodded my head in agreement, knowing exactly what she was feeling. Then she looked softly at me and said, "God bless you for ministering to these kids." I smiled, thanked her for the kind words, and headed home with an added warmth and knowledge in my heart: No one, especially not this eighty-something year old woman, is too old to be used by God to build His kingdom and serve his children.

They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming,“The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.” Psalm 92:14-15

My dear Girlfriends, God calls upon us as a community of believers to raise up generation after generation of Christian disciples, whether we feel equipped or not. Parents and grandparents cannot solely carry the burden. Youth pastors cannot operate alone.  Public school teachers cannot mention His name let alone share the the message of salvation. We who love Christ must be involved in the shepherding of our young, impressionable people. The Lord understands that not everyone wants to climb trees or sleep in freezing cold cabins or even stay up until the wee morning hours. He is not requiring the same service of you as He is of others. But God is calling your name today. Will you obey?

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:5-9 NIV (emphasis mine)

 

Ladies, my prayer is that those who have given their hearts to Jesus will carve out time to mentor someone younger, whether they are a teen, a young adult, a middle-ager, or even retired/elderly. God desires that all of His children return to Him and that requires that all believers respond to His call and commands. If we are to go and make disciples, we must take that first step forward. Girlfriends, you can do it! As a parent, I thank you. As someone who was personally mentored by a host of believers, I thank you. As a youth worker, I thank you. As a citizen, I thank you. Peace and the grace of our Lord be with you as you step out in faith.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 ESV