"Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (FCA Bible/Holman)
Teenager.
If you are one, possibly that word has no immediate effect upon you one way or another; however, if you are raising, or have raised one, the hair on the back of your neck is probably standing up and mentally you are preparing to find both the Tums and the Tylenol.
Teenager.
No amount of money in this world would entice me to be one again. While my memory is greatly faded, that gnawing feeling in my gut remains when I attempt to think back on those years. Struggling to find my identity and place in this life, I both suffered hurts and inflicted pain upon others in the process. Highs and lows, great joy and unbearable sorrow, the ebb and flow of yet-to-be-stabilized hormones--teenagers can be highly lovable or incredibly volatile. Loving them is rewarding yet challenging.
Teenager.
Personally, I am grateful for them! In my years as a substitute teacher, I have had the joy of meeting numerous respectful, industrious, and kind teens. Have I also worked with some cocky, crass and even cruel kids? Honestly, yes. But underneath even the toughest exterior, I believe every child has value. Each one I have met has presented me an opportunity to peel back the layers and extend unconditional love.
Today, a group of teenagers reminded me that God wants us to be thankful for everyone, and everything, in life: the easy, the hard, and the impossible. As our key verse states, "Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." At our morning meeting of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a leader-in-training led her first group devotional. This lovely girl stated that she chose the topic of thankfulness because we so often let gratefulness go unsaid, not only for the big things in life but especially the small ones. In addition, we are easily thankful when times are good or when we are succeeding with relatively little effort; the challenge is having a grateful heart when situations are bad, when circumstances have our world crumbling down around us. What a wise young woman!
Teenager.
They exist in the same world that we do, seeking answers and struggling to make sense of the absurd. I am extremely happy to know that God is alive and working in their lives. A few hours ago, I listened to stories of humbleness and gratitude ranging from a parent's loss of a job, a feud with a best friend, a family move, shortcomings on the court, and personal injury. Why were these kids thankful for such devastating incidents? Each student relayed the lesson he or she had learned through the process and how they were shaped as a person as a result.
"...Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" Job 2:10 (NASB)
Teenager.
Thank God for them. Love them, support them, pray for them. Today's teenagers may one day be your nurse, accountant, senator, pastor, or even your best friend. Satan is on the prowl, looking for souls to devour, and our teens are at high risk. Won't you commit to sharing your faith with a young person this week? We can be a light into the darkness; a mentor; a model; an ear to listen and maybe even a shoulder to cry upon. Instead of cringing, let's embrace that word "teenager" and praise the Lord for the chance to show our thanks to them and to Him. After all, He knows what we are feeling; let us not forget, Jesus was once....
A Teenager!
